European markets in decline

It was bleak day as all the principal European bourses lost ground following news that the ECB is to raise interest rates 0.25%. The ISEQ Index shed 44.43 to close at 7,602.38.

The financial sector declined as three of the four stocks closed in negative territory. Market heavyweight AIB shed 12c to €19.82. Bank of Ireland was 11c lower at €14.15. Anglo Irish Bank also closed down 4c at €11.66, while Irish Permanent remained steady to finish at €18.50.

In construction, CRH fell 43c to €25.35. Grafton Group was down 19c to €10.36. Kingspan gained 5c to €13.40.