ISEQ down almost 3%

The value of Irish shares plunged by almost 3% by mid-morning today, as the ISEQ index showed a 134.86-point loss to 4,409.81.

The financials all took a hit, with Allied Irish Banks the worst affected, losing 40c to €8.18. Anglo Irish Bank (down 34c to €5.66) and Bank of Ireland (down 30c to €5.58) were not far behind. Irish Life And Permanent was also in the red, slipping 22c to €5.73.