The financials ran out of steam in early trade yesterday, with a negative push from the main banks holding the market back from its seventh consecutive rise.

AIB lost 28 cents over the course of the day, with shares closing at €13.62. Bank of Ireland fell back by 10 cents to €11.70.

Irish Life & Permanent also came under some pressure, although volume was less robust than in the larger players. Shares dropped six cents to €13.59.

The one bright spot in the sector was Anglo Irish Bank, which climbed 20 cents to €13.60 in anticipation of next week's trading statement.

Elsewhere, Gresham jumped 16 per cent to €1.22 on news that a €1.35 takeover approach was still alive.

Jurys Doyle was unchanged at €9.85.

The stronger dollar made its presence felt across the board. Fyffes fell back four cents to €1.76 as the benefits it draws from dollar weakness dissipated.

Kerry was in better shape for the opposite reason rising 10 cents to €14.55.

IAWS continued on a downward track as investors eyed the firm's exposure to the Scottish salmon market through its fish meal operations. The company shed 20 cents to close at €14.55.

Greencore continued to lose ground as the chances of a takeover offer emerging faded. Shares fell three cents to €3.37.

McInerney, which is due to issue a trading update next week, added 11 cents to close at €5.23.

Fellow housebuilder Abbey rose 30 cents to €8.30 after going ex-dividend by 12 cents earlier in the week.

Ryanair had a great day, with shares up almost 4 per cent. The move to €7.37 was supported by a growing upswing in sentiment on the low-cost airline sector.

United Drug closed 3 per cent stronger at €2.37.

Elan was unchanged at €6.65.

Technology firm Thirdforce posted the best growth of the day, with shares rising by 18.5 per cent to 32 cents on rumours of a planned acquisition.Dublin ReportSettlement Day: January 21st