Financial sector finishes stronger

SHARES in Dublin lacked clear direction as the market mirrored declines across Britain and Europe. The ISEQ shed 13.15 points to close at 6126.96 at the closing bell.

The financial sector finished stronger overall with a mixed day of trading and low volume. AIB dipped 2c to €16.40, while Bank of Ireland rose 7c to €12.55. In the second line, Anglo-Irish ended the day 3c higher at €19.73, while Irish Life & Permanent took a hit of 15c to €13.85 with news of increased competition from HBOS in Ireland.

In construction, giant CRH gave up 14c to €20.80, while Kingspan slipped 5c to €9.40. Grafton Group lost 2c to close at €9.33. McInerney added 5c to €8.80.