Negative CRH news hits market

THE Irish market began the week by shedding ground as investors sought to lock in profits from last week’s rally.

CRH, the index’s principal constituent, dragged the ISEQ index 76.5 points lower to 2,599.88.

Banking stocks were hard hit right across Europe as investor confidence in the financial sector waned slightly. AIB fell 3.3c to €1.15 while Bank of Ireland were down 13c to €1.15. Irish Life and Permanent bucked the trend adding 10c to €2.70.