ISEQ loses early momentum

The ISEQ dropped back in afternoon trading today, to finish up a disappointing 8c at €5.89.

It was a mixed day for the financials, with Irish Life & Permanent the standout performer, shooting up 25c to €18.05. Allied Irish Bank also made a net gain, up 9c to €18.93. It was not such a good day for Bank of Ireland, who lost 20c to go back to €13.80. Anglo Irish Bank slipped back slightly, down 3c to €11.42.

After an impressive start, CRH lost much ground, finishing the day in the red, down 12c to €25.23. There were contrasting fortunes for competitor IAWS, who climbed an impressive 35c to €14.50, the biggest gain of the day overall.

Irish Continental was not far behind, gaining 22c to €10.77.

Abbey and Paddy Power both gained 10c to finish on €8.70 and €13.08 respectively. Dragon oil and Elan both gained 12c, climbing to €2.62 and €11.67 respectively.

It was not such a good day for Icon Plc however – after huge gains recently, it sunk back to €51, a slump of 92c.