Market falls ahead of US data

THE ISEQ index fell 16.26 points yesterday to 2,311.39 as shares at home and abroad fell as weaker-than-expected US data, including a record drop in new home sales and a slump in durable goods orders, hurt the markets.

In the financial sector, AIB weakened 14c to €1.22, Bank of Ireland gained 1c to 65c, Irish Life & Permanent dipped 6c to €1.68 while FBD Holdings shed 1c to €8.09.

In the construction sector CRH moved up 13c to €18.13, Kingspan increased 2c to €2.68, Grafton Group gained 3c to €1.55 while McInerney Holdings was unchanged at 12c.

In other news, Aer Lingus decreased 8c to €1, Ryanair fell sharply by 16c to €2.87, Elan lost 3c to €5.57, Smurfit Kappa lost 4c to €1.74, Thirdforce added 2c to 9c while Dragon Oil jumped 10c to €1.77.