The Dublin market dutifully took its cue from the weakness on international markets and closed down just over 1 per cent, with the financials as usual taking the brunt of the negative sentiment.
Even though bumper half-year results are due tomorrow, Bank of Ireland lost 13 1/2p to 869p, while AIB was 12 1/2p lower on 560p. Other financials were also weaker, with Irish Life down 10p on 330p, Irish Permanent also 10p lower on 655p, and Anglo Irish 2p lower at 107p ahead of full-year results towards the end of the month.
GE Capital disclosed that it now has 90.3 per cent acceptances from Woodchester shareholders and the bid is now unconditional.
Among the industrials, Greencore continued its dismal recent run and fell 11p to 290p, meaning the share is now trading 100p off its high of earlier this year. Greencore also reports results in the next few weeks, but it is more corporate developments in the form of acquisitions and/or a share buyback that will dictate the share price in the near term.
CRH lost 10p to 775p in line with the trend in London, Fyffes remained weak and lost another 2p to 95p, while Ryanair was 4p lower on 316p even though the quarterly results were in line with forecasts.
Waterford Wedgwood was 1p easier on 76p despite a gushing review which described the share as "a gift at these levels".
The most active share by a mile was exploration minnow Minmet which dealt up to a new 6 3/4p sterling high in London in huge turnover after confirming earlier reports that it has made a gold find in Devon. In Dublin, Minmet shares were 3/4p higher on 6 3/4p.
