Financials lead stock decline

The ISEQ Index closed in negative territory yesterday.

Stocks in the recruitment sector soared ahead but the falling financials led to the Dublin exchange dropping 70.32 points to 9365.17.

Market heavyweight AIB weakened 29c to 22.35. Bank of Ireland was 20c lower at 17.80. Irish Life and Permanent was 9c behind at 21.09. Anglo dipped 5c to 16.04.

Positive movers were CPL Resources and Newcourt group. CPL jumped 33c to 6.78 following strong interim results as revenue increased 42%. The latter moved 9c ahead to 1.78, as CPL’s positive news is encouraging for Sigmar, Newcourt’s recruitment unit.