ISEQ closes week down after rally

The ISEQ index ended its four-day rally to close down 80.72 points to 2,521.29, in line with European and world bourses.

The fear of recession in the US was fuelled by worse than expected nonfarm payroll figures. Economists expected a gain of 75,000 jobs, but figures remained unchanged. The report highlights the struggle in the US economic recovery. US President Barack Obama will lay out a new jobs plan on Thursday.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland dipped 0.1c to 8.8c. AIB gave up 0.1c to 4.5c. Irish Life & Permanent dropped 0.1c to 3c, while insurance group FBD Holdings dipped 10c to 6.60.