Dublin stock exchange slumps by more than 148 points

The ISEQ capped a dire day today with a 148.9 point slump to see the index stand at 7,361.81 by the end of the day's trading.

Worst hit was FBD Holdings who saw 2% wiped off the value of their stock. It plunged 95c to €35.

The construction sector saw the second-biggest fall as McInerney Holdongs tumbled 65c to €11.45, while CRH was hit with a 45c fall to stand at €25.70. Abbey had a more modest 15c fall to €10.35.

The financials were mixed as Anglo Irish Bank ended with a 14c fall at €11.94 and AIB slid 9c to €18.21. Afte a steady start, Bank of Ireland had a mere two cent increae to €14.07, while Irish Life and Permanent went up five cents to €18.80.

Elan also suffered in the day's trading, shedding 30c to €13.45. Shipping firm Irish Continental slipped 25c to €10.65.

Ryanair shares fell 15c to €6.50 after once again falling foul of the Advertising Standard Authority today. The budget carrier failed to make travel restrictions clear in a promotion for three million free tickets, according to the industry watchdog.

Eircom shares also lost some ground today following recent takeover talks with Babcock & Brown. The telecoms giant lost 5c to go to €2.15.

Positive news came from food giant Kerry Group who saw their stock rise 38c to €17.63 while recruitment group CPL went up 20c to €4.10.