Markets across Europe take a hit

Markets across Europe were down on the whole yesterday, Chinese data figures were mixed overnight, increasing concerns about the world’s second largest economy.

However, positive US retail figures trimmed these losses somewhat in the afternoon. The Iseq closed up 3.97 points to 3,968.76.

It was a mixed day for the Irish financials, as Permanent TSB and Bank of Ireland mirrored the market, trading flat on 3.6c and 17.9c respectively. AIB was one of the day’s biggest movers, closing up 0.4c or 6.06% to finish at 7c. Insurance company FBD Holdings slipped back 5c to close on €13.15 ahead of tomorrow’s AGM.

It was a more positive in the construction sector, which saw sector giant CRH regain ground lost on Friday, adding 11.5c to finish on €16.31. Grafton Group was hot on their coat-tails, gaining 10.9c to finish on €5.61, while Kingspan bucked the sector trend by slipping 12.4c to close on €9.645.