Markets mixed on Mid-east violence

It was a mixed day for markets across Europe yesterday with rating agency Moody’s downgrading France from triple A to Aa1 and unrest in the Middle East being the catalyst.

However, news of an imminent ceasefire and better-than- expected US housing date saw markets bounce in afternoon trading to finish flat or slightly ahead. It was a steady day in Dublin with the Iseq gaining 19 points to close on 3,238.77

It was a quiet day for the Irish financials with only AIB moving, up 0.1c to 5.2c. The other two banks were flat with Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB Group both closing the same as yesterday at 9.6c and 2.1c.

Meanwhile, insurer FBD Holdings momentum continued gaining a further 10c to close on €9.75.

A mixed in the construction sector saw CRH give back some of yesterday’s gains to close on €13.90 down 3c on the day. It was another positive day for Kingspan and Grafton Group with both moving ahead, gaining 16c and 15c to close on €3.70 and €7.76.