Market falls in cautious trading

THE ISEQ declined 74 points to 2,746.71. European shares tumbled yesterday morning to their lowest level in 14 weeks, after two separate explosions at Japan’s quake-stricken power plant worsened the crisis and the country warned of significantly higher radiation levels.

Japanese markets had already plunged by over 10% overnight, posting their worst two-day losing streak since 1987.

In the financial sector, AIB gave up 1.8c to 20.6c. Bank of Ireland dipped by 1.1c to 30.1c. Irish Life & Permanent was 11c weaker at 67c, while insurance company FBD Holdings bucked the trend with a gain of 30c to 7.70.