Poor Europe data hits early trading

THE ISEQ index tacked on a further 25.20 points to close at 2,602.01.

Markets retreated in early trading with poor economic data from Europe weighing on investor sentiment. Eurozone manufacturing activity contracted for the first time in almost two years in August.

In the US initial jobless claims dropped by 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 409,000 and ISM manufacturing figures came in stronger than expected for August.