ISEQ index closes down 71 points

THE ISEQ index closed down 71.62 points at 5,394.56 with Irish building-related stocks particularly weak due to the sharp property downturn in their key British market.

AIB shedded 17c to close at €9.90, Bank of Ireland fell 32c to €6.05, Anglo Irish Bank lost 17c to €6.75 and Irish Life & Permanent finished 6c weaker at €8.72.

CRH plunged 69c to €18.16, Kingspan fell away 38c to €6.20, while Grafton dropped 17c to close at €4.15.