ISEQ marginally down

The ISEQ index of Irish shares was marginally down in early trading this morning, shedding 6.80 points to 2,874.68 at 11.45am.

On the risers' board, Aer Lingus added 1c to €0.49 after revealing an 8.2% rise in passenger numbers for July. Also climbing were DIY group Grafton, up 5c to €3.30, and Smurfit Kappa, also up 5c, to €4.25.

Index majors among the fallers included Kerry Group, down 14c to €16.91; Paddy Power, 10c off at €16.90; CRH, also down 10c, to €17.30, and Greencore, slipping 4c to €1.15.

Financial stocks were mixed, with AIB down 1c to €2.11 and Irish Life & Permanent falling 3c to €3.60, while insurer FBD climbed 13c to €7.23. Bank of Ireland was unmoved at €2.10.