Financials gain but market down

THE ISEQ index finished down 38.46 points yesterday at 2,192.13.

The financial sector enjoyed a much needed positive day. The head of the Central bank John Hurley said the share price of top Irish lenders did not reflect their strong liquidity and solvency. Chairman of the Financial Regulator Jim Farrell also said he is completely satisfied with the financial health of AIB and Bank of Ireland.

AIB shot up 12c at 57c, Bank of Ireland shed 3c to 37c, while Irish Life & Permanent gained 20c to €1.40.

In the construction sector CRH ended down 43c at €16.93, Kingspan jumped 10c to €2.45, while Grafton was 4c greater at €1.66.

In other news, Ryanair weakened 15c to €2.93, Elan lost 18c to €5.32, Glanbia decreased 12c to €2.54, Kerry Group fell 8c to €13.60, while C&C declined by 7c to 98c.