Market slips on low volumes

THE ISEQ index increased 9.86 points to end the session at 2,989.08 yesterday. Other European share prices also edged, supported by strong earnings from French bank Societe Generale and Dutch brewer Heineken.

In the US, stocks rose after estimate-beating results from technology giant Dell. Elsewhere, Brent oil jumped to over $102 a barrel as worries about unrest in the Middle East escalated after reports of clashes in Iran, Yemen and Bahrain, raising concerns about disruption to oil flows.

In the financial sector, AIB gained 0.6c to 28.4c. Bank of Ireland improved 1.4c to 39c. Irish Life & Permanent added 0.2c to 96c, while FBD Holdings advanced a further 15c to €7.60.

In the construction sector, CRH shares dropped 13c to €16.40. Grafton Group improved 5.4c to €3.59. Kingspan was unchanged at €6.56, while Abbey Group dropped back 10c to €5.20.