Market slips back in late trading

THE ISEQ was ahead for most of the day, but lagged in afternoon trading leaving the index 17.60 points weaker at the closing bell on 5450.52.

CRH closed 24c lower at €18.66, while Kerry Group lost 20c to €17.10.

AIB slipped a cent to €12.98. Bank of Ireland was 5c stronger at €11.03, while Anglo Irish Bank added 20c to €13.70 with over 1.93 million shares changing hands. Irish Life & Permanent advanced 12c to €12.52.

Elsewhere DCC announced it had completed the acquisition of Allied Foods, and closed 10c weaker at €14.40. Pharmaceutical Company Elan slipped 18c to €18.20, while budget carrier Ryanair fell to €4.26.