ISEQ bucks downward trend

The ISEQ index closed up 10.14 points at 2,929.44 yesterday.

Other European shares extended falls, witheurozone banks lower after a senior eurozone government source said credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s was set to downgrade several countries in theregion. The euro also hit a low of 1.2687 against the dollar after news of the S&P’s intentions.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland gained 0.5c to 9c. AIB dipped 0.2c to 6c. Irish Life & Permanent added 0.3c to 2.9c, while insurance group FBD Holdings dropped 10c to close at €7.10.

In the construction sector, CRH increased 3c to €14.99. Grafton Group improved 6.3c to €2.60, while Kingspan advanced 8.9c to €6.83.

In other news, Elan jumped 46c to €11.06. Glanbia was 10c weaker at €4.90. Kerry Group was 51.5c weaker at €27.98, while drinks group C&C dropped 5c to €3.05.