Market slides after bright opening

SHARES in Dublin began the day in positive territory yesterday, but finished 28.44 points lower overall at 5208.51.

Hotel group Gresham was the focus of much investor interest. The company ended the day up 12c at 1.22, following Thursday’s sharp sell-off.

Elan continued it's recent upward trajectory as investors sought to follow Wall Street's overnight rally. The drugmaker finished 11c higher at 13.50. Elsewhere, budget carrier Ryanair gained 2c after rivals Easyjet reported a 17.4% rise in passenger numbers for February.