The market limped to a positive close yesterday after a relatively featureless day saw most stocks struggling for direction.

Volumes were low across the board with the exception of a handful of stocks, most notably Waterford Wedgwood. Almost seven million shares changed hands in the firm, with 4.2 million units crossing in one early trade. Waterford closed unchanged at 31 cents, with dealers noting most interest at 30 cents.

The best of the remaining business fell to the financials, with 4.3 million shares traded in Bank of Ireland and 2.7 million in AIB. Both stocks were range-bound and both suffered declines in afternoon trade. AIB finished down five cents at 12.20 while Bank of Ireland fell four cents to 10.35.

Anglo Irish Bank dipped below 10.00 for the first time in a month, dropping 11 cents to €9.98. The bank is due to report full-year results next week.

Viridian was among the few newsmakers on the market, with good first-half numbers prompting a 3 per cent climb to £5.65 in London, where the company's shares are mainly traded.

Still in London, Vodafone shares rose 8p to 133.5p sterling, again on sound interims.

Performances were mixed elsewhere in Dublin, with notable outperformers including FBD, which finished 95 cents ahead at €12.00 on minimal volume. MBO-target Barlo added one cent to finish at 36 cents. Fellow takeover play Gresham rose two cents to 1.12.

Ryanair had a quiet day as it moved down three cents to close at 6.35. CRH felt the pain of dollar weakness as it fell five cents to 15.60.