Market falls ahead of US rescue plan

THE ISEQ index fell 160.31 points yesterday to close at 3,976.01 as the world waits for details of the €490bn rescue plan for financial markets planned by Washington.

Irish banks were particularly weak. The fall in the banks was in line with a cautious response on international markets to the weekend decision to launch the plan.

In the financial sector, AIB gave up earlier gains to finish down 33c at €5.90, Bank of Ireland weakened 51c to €4.69, Irish Life & Permanent jumped 26c to €6.47, while Anglo Irish Bank fell back 90c to €4.70.