ISEQ up as Iona slips

The ISEQ showed a modest gain today to close up 7.82 at 5349.2.

Iona Technologies slipped 23c, or 9.02%, to close at €2.32, while it was also a bad day for WCRX (formerly Galen), which slipped 65c, or 6.91%, to finish the day at €8.75.

The index’s other major pharmaceutical company, Elan, also showed a significant loss, falling 33c, or 2.05%, to €15.77.

However, it was a good day for insurer FBD, which saw its share price increase 40c, or 2.67%, to €15.40.

AIB was the day’s highest-trading share, closing up 6c at €12.84.

The rest of the financials also saw slight gains, with Bank of Ireland up 3c at €10.87, Anglo rising 1c to €13.00, and Irish Life & Permanent closing up 2c at €12.52.

Building materials group CRH finished the day up 15c at €18.83.