ISEQ dips below 3,000 mark

The ISEQ index of Irish shares was down 7.57 points to 2,994.25 this afternoon, slipping below the psychologically important 3,000 mark.

The financials continued their recent downward trend. Bank of Ireland endured the worst fall, losing 4c to 71c. Both Allied Irish Banks and Irish Life and Permanent edged down 1c to 99c and €1.64 respectively.

There were contrasting fortunes in the energy sector. Dragon Oil climbed 14c to €5.27. Tullow Oil was 17c worse off on €13.60, however.

Other significant movers included Kerry Group (down 20c to €23.31) and Smurfit Kappa (down 10c to €7.57).