Market loses ground again

THE Irish market lost some of yesterday’s gains with Smurfit Kappa driving the market lower after forecasting modest growth for this year.

The index closed down 51.74 at 6,596.03.

The banks had a weak day with AIB down 30c to 14, Bank of Ireland fell 24c to lie at 9.56, Anglo shed 24.2c to rest at 9.59 and Irish Life & Permanent fell 36.4c to close at 10.32.