Market falls in line with peers

THE ISEQ decreased 32.45 points to close at 2,558.42 yesterday in line with most other European and world bourses.

EU, IMF and ECB inspectors gave their approval for a vital aid package to Greece, saying that despite some fiscal progress Athens was still behind on privatisations and structural reforms needed to exit its debt crisis. The inspectors said in a joint statement said that an €8bn tranche Greece needs to avoid bankruptcy would probably be made available in early November.

In the financial sector, AIB gained 0.1c to 4.6c, Bank of Ireland tacked on 0.4c to 9.7c. Irish Life & Permanent gave up 0.3c to 2.8c, while insurance group FBD Holdings was 7.5c stronger at €6.47.