MANY account holders who instantly sold their free shares in the Halifax are likely to be relieved after the price fell on the stock market yesterday to below the amount they are getting.

Shares in the former British building society last night closed at 724 1/2p - down 10p on Monday night and 50p less than Monday's impressive opening price of 774 1/2p.

Halifax plc made its long-awaited stock market debut on Monday, and 7.6 million people are benefiting from the mammoth shares giveaway. About 1.9 million of them opted to sell their handouts straight away and are getting 732.5p a share - a minimum of £1,465 each. Last night's stock market closing price gives an average windfall of £2,390 and means the basic handout of 200 shares would be worth £1,449.