ISEQ marginally down at midday

The ISEQ index of Irish shares was down 6.98 points to 2,677.27 in early trading, a drop of 0.26%.

Ryanair was among the fallers, slipping 14c or 3.39% to €3.99 despite posting half-year profits up 17% and saying full-year earnings were likely to exceed previous guidance.

Also down were Kerry Group, slipping 30c to €26.15; Paddy Power, down 10c to €28.90; Elan Corp, 8c off at €3.97 and Aer Lingus, down 3c to €1.12.

Among the risers, CRH added 27c to €12.57, Smurfit Kappa climbed 20c to €7.89 and FBD was up 7c to €6.20.