Market dips in nervous trading

THE ISEQ index fell 6.89 points to 2,900.78 in line with European and world bourses. European shares closed lower yesterday, and were heading for their biggest weekly fall in nearly eight months, as Libya's crisis sent crude prices still higher, sparking worries about inflation and economic growth.

In the financial sector, AIB said it has now accepted Santander’s offer for AIB’s stake in Polish bank, Bank Zachodni WBK (BZWBK) with completion set for April 1. AIB tacked on 2.9c to 24.9c. Bank of Ireland progressed 1.2c to 34.4c. Irish Life and Permanent slipped back 1.5c to 88c, while FBD Holdings was 10c stronger at 7.50.

In the construction sector, CRH shares weakened 15c to 16.11. The company reports full-year results for 2010 on March 1 next. Grafton Group made a gain of 1c to 3.70, while Kingspan gave up 7c to close at 6.70.