A negative opening by the US today affected afternoon trading on European markets and contributed to the ISEQ closing down 65 points at 5,573.78.
The index was ushered into negative territory by losses from the major financials. Bank of Ireland fell 25 cents today to close on euro 9.96 following the announcement of its plan to close 65 branches.
AIB fared little better and was off 22 cents at close of trading on euro 13.13. It was also a poor day for Irish Life and Permanent as its shares dropped 11 cents to euro 12.59. One of the few bright spots was the performance of Anglo Irish which eased up three cents to euro 3.21.
Techs stocks look set to continue their recent turbulence and today Iona fell a massive 700 cents to euro 48.00, Independent shed 14 cents to euro 3.11 while Horizon fell five cents to euro 6.70.
Among the drug stocks, Elan relinquished early gains to close unchanged on euro 47.50 while Galen eased off three cents to euro 8.45 and United Drug gained 10 cents to euro 11.30.