Iseq gains as British markets fall

The Iseq index gained 41.3 points yesterday to close at 3,321.24.

Markets in Britain fell after Fitch Ratings revised down its outlook on Britain’s AAA rating to negative, warning the nation faced a greater than 1-in-2 chance of losing its top-notch status in the next couple of years if the government eases back on its debt-cutting measures.

In the financial sector, Bank of Ireland added 0.4c to 13.5c. AIB dipped 0.5c to 10.7c. Irish Life & Permanent gained 0.2c to 4.7c, while insurance group FBD increased 15c to €9.15.