ISEQ steadies to finish with 2.2% loss

The ISEQ index of Irish shares recovered somewhat from an early battering, but still slumped by more than 2% by close of business today, down 138.71 to 5,967.16.

The financials were among the worst hit, with all companies enduring serious declines. Irish Life And Permanent was the worst hit, sinking 77c to €10.48. Anglo Irish Bank (down 62c to €7.78) and Bank of Ireland (down 56c to €7.59) also fell sharply. Allied Irish Banks did relatively well given the mood, losing 32c to €12.58.