The ISEQ gained a modest 8 points today with weakness of financial stocks offset by a strong showing in selected technology stocks.
AIB was 6 cents weaker at 12.79, Bank of Ireland 10.25 lost 5 cents to euro 10.25 and eircom shed 3 cents to euro 2.57. But the market tread water for much of the day with little corporate news released.
A strong opening on the Nasdaq by Iona saw it add euro 4.0 to 61.50 and Elan gained 80 cents to euro 54.80.
London's FTSE 100 index closed slightly higher today, with strength in defensive sectors outweighing losses for a number of telecoms following a weak session for the Nasdaq on Friday.
At the close, the FTSE 100 index was 12.8 higher at 6,269.2. The broader indices were mixed, with the FTSE 250 down 10.7 to 6,746.8 and the Techmark down 26.03 at 2,706.03, reflecting weakness in the high-tech sectors.
Trade was thin ahead of the Bank of England's monetary policy committee meeting which starts on Wednesday as many investors preferred the sidelines until the interest rate announcement on Thursday.