Investors take profits in nervous trading

The ISEQ index finished down 78.09 points at 2,335.79 as investors chose to take profits as European and world markets remained nervous after US retail sales in March fell more than 1% below the level predicted by the market.

In the financial sector, AIB finished down 8c at 96c, Bank of Ireland weakened 6c to 80c, Irish Life and Permanent lost 8c to e2.07, while insurance group FBD dipped 5c to close at e6.45.

In the construction sector, CRH decreased 62c to e16.38, Grafton Group fell back 7c to e2.32, while Kingspan Group bucked the trend, progressing 6c to e3.58.

In other news, Kerry Group declined 29c to e14.25, Paddy Power jumped 30c to e13.35, while Ryanair Holdings closed at e3.03, a fall of 12c on the day.