ISEQ slow to start

The holiday atmosphere seems to have descended on the market floor as trading took off to a slow start heading into the weekend.

Most ISEQ-listed companies recorded little activity this morning. The financial heavyweights inched up or down in modest gains and losses. Anglo Irish Bank reported no change at €15.42. Bank of Ireland inched up 1c at €17.28, while AIB managed a 4c increase at €22.96.

Meanwhile IL&P took the lead with a 10c increase at €20.90 by 11am today.

The biggest loser on the market, Irish insurances and financial services group FBD lost 25c this morning but remains strong at €41.15.

Elsewhere, Blackrock International Land announced that it expects an increase in its net asset value per share of in excess of 6% over the €0.355 since May 11, 2006 to its reporting date, 31 December 2006.

The news fuelled a modest increase of the company's shares this morning with a 2c increase at 54c.