Iseq:2,807.59 (-38.07) Settlement date:December 2nd

DRINKS MANUFACTURER C&C gave a star performance yesterday against a backdrop of weakening European markets.

The Dublin and London-listed drinks company unveiled plans yesterday morning to expand its cider portfolio with the acquisition of the UK company Gaymer Cider. The expected cost and revenue synergies, together with the market growth profile, were welcomed by investors who, according to a broker, “placed some faith in management’s ability to deliver”.

The stock finished up 8.5 per cent – or 22 cent – at €2.80.

Both Aryzta and Origin released trading statements yesterday and the fact that neither company lowered their full-year guidance came as a relief to the market.

Bakery group Aryztahad sold off in the run-up to the trading update, but it held up well on the day. Although quarter one figures were weak, this was anticipated, and traders noted that there was nothing in the update to drive the stock down further. It closed up 35 cent at €25.15.

Agribusiness company Originwas also in positive territory at the close of the session, finishing at €2.20, a gain of close to 5 per cent, albeit on thin volume.

Financials were weak again on a day when AIBand Bank of Irelandboth announced their planned participation in the Nama, subject to shareholder approval. Both stocks shed 9 cent, with AIB closing at €1.55 and Bank of Ireland at €1.61.

Although Irish Life & Permanentwill not be transferring assets to Nama, it is "guilty by association", one trader said, and it remained weak yesterday, slipping 6.5 per cent to €3.25.

The largest component of the Iseq index, CRH, sold off pretty swiftly into the close in line with European markets.

Although the cement stock had traded above €17 for much of the session, it had tumbled 37 cent to €16.78 by the close.