Bank stocks have a bad day

THE ISEQ closed 13.69 points lower at 4332.86 yesterday.

The banking stocks had a bad day, with Allied Irish Bank falling 17c to 14.05 and Bank of Ireland easing 5c to 11.13.

Also negative was First Active, down 2c at 5.20, while Anglo Irish Bank was 4c softer at 6.65. Irish Life and Permanent finished unchanged at 12.25.

Overall, the ISEQ financial index was 62.65 points weaker at 8837.22.

After trading as low as 13.10 in earlier trading, CRH closed 3c off at 13.38. This followed news that it plans to cut the stake it wishes to buy in an Egyptian cement firm.

Overall, 2.01m shares were traded over the course of the day. Independent News and Media eased a cent to 1.34 after the release of relatively positive indicators from the Irish advertising market on Monday.

Adding value were Ryanair, 5c up at 7.50, Kerry Group 9c higher at 13.29 and Waterford Wedgewood 4c to the good at 50c. Other movers were Paddy Power down 8c to 4.72 and Jurys Doyle 2c lower at 7.18.