Market retreats on US payroll data

THE IRISH market fell slightly yesterday as US non-farm payroll figures came in behind expectations. The ISEQ index finished the week down 42.25 points at 2,992.48.

Financials had another mixed day as both AIB and Irish Life and Permanent wallowed in the red. The former dropped 3c to 96c, while the latter fell 8.2c to €1.84. Bank of Ireland gained 4c to 76c.

The construction sector had a negative day, as market heavyweight CRH shed 71c to €18.36 having traded higher earlier in the day. Grafton Group and Kingspan lost 13.9c and 29c to €2.98 and €6.82.

Elsewhere, bookmaker Paddy Power slipped 5c to €24.75.