AIB shares slide despite strong growth

AIB’s strong growth this year disappointed the market yesterday which expected an even better performance from the bank when it unveiled a trading update yesterday.

AIB shares were down 1.5% at €18.36 by noon but rallied to fall 21 cents yesterday to close at €18.43, a 1.13% fall. This was after telling shareholders it had recorded a strong 2005 and expects full-year earnings per share to be at the upper end of the 140c-142c range it projected in August.

The stock has advanced 20% this year and yesterday fell from a record high hit on Monday. Full-year figures are due to be released on February 22.