ISEQ down 17.72

The ISEQ index of Irish shares dropped 17.72 points in morning trading today.

Heiton Holdings were up 2 cent, while Grafton Group fell by an equal amount after the two building companies agreed to a cash and shares deal under which Grafton would buy the its rival for around €336m.

In the financials, AIB was up five cent to €12.91. Bank of Ireland was up six cent to €10.73, while Anglo Irish Bank rose seven cent to €13.30.

Main movers included CRH, down 10 cent to €18.20 and Paddy Power, now trading at €9.90.