US fears damp early enthusiasm

THE ISEQ index rebounded past the 2,500 mark in early trading, lifted by investors on the lookout for bargains.

The index finished the day up 14.14 points at 2,485.65. The US market fell as data showing a sharp drop in consumer confidence fuelled fears about economic growth.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland gained 0.1c to 8.6c. AIB added 0.1c to 4.6c. Irish Life & Permanent was 0.1c better at 3.1c, while insurance group FBD Holdings advanced 8.8c to 6.64.