THE Dublin market closed marginally lower yesterday, taking the shine off most market leaders.

Among the financials AIB ended unchanged at 419p having trading as low as 417p earlier in the day. Bank of Ireland drifted lower dropping 3p to 573p.

Irish Life also lost a penny to 283p, but Irish Permanent and Woodchester managed to buck the trend, both going stronger on the day. Irish Permanent moved up 3p to 508p, while Woodchester put on 3p to 235p.

Among the leading industrials CRH was down 3p to 637p and Smurfit up 5p to 177p.

The food stocks also put in a mixed performance with Avonmore, gaining 5p to 190p, Kerry down 5p to 635p and Waterford Foods unchanged at 87p. Greencore dropped 2p to 388p.

Other stocks on the move included Clondalkin up 5p to 510p, Crean up 2 1/2/p 180p and Independent was down 5p at 310p.

Waterford Wedgwood also took a hit, falling back a penny to 79p while United Drug moved up 5p to 325p.

On the gilt market, bonds firmed in fairly busy trading ahead of new economic data expected next week.

The 6.5 per cent bond due in 2001 had gained 25p from Thursday's close of £102.65 to yield 5.75 per cent.

The key benchmark 8 per cent bond due in 2006 was at £109.93 to yield 6.57 per cent. Dealers said the spreads between Irish bonds has now narrowed.