Market falls as interest rates static

THE ISEQ index dropped 19.95 points to 2,719.77 yesterday.

The ECB held rates at their record low level at its regular monthly meeting yesterday. In the US, new claims for unemployment benefits fell to a near three-month low last week, pointing to some improvement in the struggling labour market.

In the financial sector, AIB declined 3.8c to 40.7c. Bank of Ireland added 0.3c to 68c. Irish Life & Permanent Group progressed 7c to €1.56, while FBD Holdings tacked on 10.1c to €6.59.

In the construction sector, CRH gave up 33.5c to €12.40. Kingspan fell back 8.5c to €5.96, while Grafton Group followed suit with a loss of 0.6c to €3.18.

In other news, Paddy Power said it sees multiple growth opportunities in its British and Australian businesses. The share price jumped 75.5c to end the session at €26.64.