Market falls as bond yields rise

THE ISEQ index dropped further yesterday, to close down 31.41 points at 2,663.27.

Bond yields soared in Italy, France, Spain and Belgium, reflecting growing investor concern about the eurozone debt crisis. Confidence has also been hit by a vote by Chancellor Merkel’s CDU party to back voluntary exits from the eurozone.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland dropped 0.3c to 8.4c. AIB dipped 0.1c to 8.1c. Irish Life & Permanent was unchanged at 3.1c, while insurance group FBD Holdings fell 10c to €6.20.