Market falls in line with peers

THE ISEQ index fell 17.60 points to 2,664.54 yesterday in line with other European stocks.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said hardly any G20 countries have said they will participate in the eurozone bailout fund. The comment eclipsed relief among investors that Greece had shelved plans to hold a referendum on its bailout, which calmed fears of a sovereign debt default.

In the US, monthly jobs data showed employment rose less than expected. However, a drop in the jobless rate to a six-month low of 9% and revisions to previous job gains signalled improvement in the labour market.