Market in slim gain on quiet day

LIGHT trading volumes characterised the Irish market yesterday as investors stayed away. The ISEQ index ended the session down 10.53 points at 2,691.30 as the market wavered between positive and negative territory for much of the day.

The principal Irish banks were among the chief market laggards, with Bank of Ireland slipping 9c to €1.68. AIB followed the trend shipping 6c to €1.68, while Irish Life and Permanent remained stable at €3.10 despite being downgraded to a BBB+ credit rating by Standard and Poor.

It was a mixed day for the construction sector with CRH gaining 2c to €16.15 as figures from the US appear to show that US government stimulus funds are beginning to find their way to infrastructure projects such as motorways.