Financials pull back market gains

THE Irish exchange ended the session in the red yesterday 23.93 points lower at 8,544.15.

The financials weighed heavily on the index with all of the main players finishing in the red. AIB dropped 11c to €20.79 while Bank of Ireland dipped by 1c to €15.55. Anglo-Irish shed 8c to €14.27 while Irish Life & Permanent was 21c weaker at €19.

Construction stocks were mixed. CRH added 2c to €27.47 while Grafton climbed 14c to €11.64. Kingspan was 14c weaker at €16.46 with McInerney up 5c at €13.15.