IRISH shares slid back from early highs yesterday afternoon, hit by a weak opening in New York and limited interest by investors outside of the main financial stocks.
Dealers said Bank of Ireland was the pick of the day, rising by 14 1/2p from 742 1/2p to 757p. Its main domestic rival, Allied Irish Banks, was described as "more offered than bid", and remained unchanged on 491p.
"Yesterday was a quiet day in the UK with the banks there taking a pause for breath. They have picked up again today and Bank of Ireland has been the main beneficiary here," one analyst said.
Paper and packaging giant Smurfit gained from indications of an improving pricing environment for its products in the United States, with the share price rising 9p from 177p to 186p.
"Smurfit has been one of the stories of the day," one dealer said. "A combination of minds seems to be thinking perhaps the company's problems are over for now."
CRH fell back by 3p to 675p, while Independent Newspapers also slid, down 5p to 335p. Giftware company Waterford Wedgwood rose 1p to close at 90p.
In the food sector, Avonmore remained static on 240p, as did Kerry on 670p. Fyffes rose 2p to 95p, Golden Vale climbed 1p to 67p and Greencore dropped in a sterling deal towards the close of business to end the day down around 10p on 296p sterling.
Following its strong results earlier in the week, DCC saw much interest, rising 5p to close at 370p. NCB stockbrokers upgraded their full year forecast for DCC by some 10 per cent following.
