It looked like the record performance of the Dow Jones overnight was going to spur the Iseq index of Irish shares yesterday, but after rising more than 1 per cent in early trading, the index fell back to close up just 58.66 points, at 9,601.
Dealers reported significant interest in some individual stocks, though overall sentiment was muted, they said.
The financials were in focus again, with almost three million AIB units changing hands. The stock rose as much as 1.7 per cent, to €23.22 early in the day, though fell back to close up just two cent, at €22.86.
Anglo Irish meanwhile was stronger, adding 1.2 per cent, or 20 cent, and holding on to its gains to close at €16.59. As many as 2.6 million shares changed hands.
Bank of Ireland was quieter, with 1.7 million trades pushing the stock upwards and then downwards to end the day 11 cent lower, at €16.16.
Good days were had by CRH and Kingspan, with the two stocks closing up 2.2 per cent and 2 per cent respectively at €32.30 and €20.75. Dealers attributed the gains to the lacklustre performance of the stocks in past days and a need to play catch-up.
Smurfit Kappa also put in a strong performance, adding 62 cent, or 3.2 per cent, to close at €20.32. Dealers said the stock is attracting significant attention amid expectations that containerboard prices in the US are set to rise.
Home builder McInerney continued to suffer from the fallout of the negative sentiment in the Spanish property market. The stock dropped another 4.8 per cent, or 72 cent, to close at €14.23.
