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.