ISEQ down as China surplus narrows

THE ISEQ fell back after strong gains in the previous session, to close down 35.01 points at 2,571.64. Markets dropped following weaker than expected Chinese trade data.

China’s trade surplus narrowed in September for a second month in a row as growth of exports and imports both fell below forecasts, reflecting global economic weakness.

In the financial sector, AIB announced the appointments of Simon Ball and Thomas Wacker as non-executive directors, as shares in the bank dipped 0.5c to 5.4c. Bank of Ireland slipped 0.4c to 9.6c. Irish Life & Permanent gave up 0.2c to 3.2c, while insurance group FBD Holdings decreased 30c to €6.40.

In the construction sector, CRH was 29c worse at €12.79, Grafton Group gained 8.1c to €2.87, while Kingspan added 0.5c to €6.285.

In other news, C&C increased 1c to €2.94, Kerry Group advanced 39.5c to €25.95, while Elan lost 30c to €7.699.