Market Report: The market closed virtually unchanged last night after another day of mixed trade. Volumes were unimpressive across the board, with most business once again concentrated in the financials.
Bank of Ireland saw more subdued trade than in recent days, with volume dropping to 2.5 million shares as the stock continued to weaken. Shares closed at 10.32, down nine cents on the day, or 88 cents weaker than last Monday's closing price. AIB held up better, closing three cents higher at €12.84.
Anglo Irish Bank also strengthened, adding four cents to finish at 9.39 on trade of more than three million shares. Irish Life & Permanent was unchanged at €11.25, in good two-way business.
On the industrial side, Ryanair closed five cents lower at 5.92 after jumping to €6.05 in early trade. CRH also gave up some ground, with continued focus on the firm's dollar exposure driving it down 10 cents to 15.75.
Business was choppy among smaller stocks, with the market as a whole lacking direction.
Notable winners on the day were FBD and Irish Continental Group (ICG), both of which maintained Thursday's large gains while registering very light volume. FBD gained 59 cents to finish at 10.49, while ICG closed 23 cents stronger at 10.30.
Independent News & Media had another solid day, rising three cents to 1.73 on good volume.
Other positive stocks included Glanbia, which climbed six cents to 1.90 and Kerry, which rose five cents to 14.60. IAWS was unchanged at 8.70 as the market digested Thursday's strong results.
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