URBAN OUTFITTERS, the ultra-trendy US retailer, saw pre-tax profits in Ireland plunge from almost €2.1 million to €553,026 in the year to the end of January 2010.

US stocks finished another erratic session modestly higher today after durable goods and home sales data helped ease investors’ anxiety about whether the Federal Reserve will continue raising interest rates.

Stocks faced a second day of steep losses today as the dollar weakened and bonds prices fell after data showing higher import prices stoked the market’s inflation worries. The major indexes declined sharply this week.