Iseq: 2,878.16 (–8.77)

DAY TWO of post-Christmas trading lacked the headiness of the High Street sales yesterday, with volumes barely registering on the Iseq.

The market gave up almost all of the small gains it registered on Wednesday, closing 0.3 per cent lower. Dealers said stocks were simply tracking a negative international trend, in the absence of domestic, stock-specific news.

The financials were among the best performers, although AIB let down the side by falling 0.8 cent to 31 cent. The bank is due to move to the junior market soon.

Bank of Ireland fared better yesterday, adding 1 cent to finish at 38.3 cent. Irish Life Permanent ended the day 0.1 cent stronger at €1.001.

Food stocks were mixed, with Glanbia a notably strong performer. Shares added 11 cent to close at €3.65 on what qualified as decent volume on the day.

Greencore moved in the opposite direction, falling by 2 cent to €1.27, while Aryzta dropped by 19.5 cent to €34.615. CC shed 3 cent to close at €3.35.

Kerry fell by 25 cent, ending the session at €25.10.

Market heavyweight CRH also moved lower, closing 3 cent weaker at €15.54. DCC was also on the negative side, falling by a cent to €23.50.

Airlines were out of favour too, with investors keeping an eye on weather-related costs. Ryanair dropped 5.7 cent to €3.725, while Aer Lingus fell by a cent to €1.11.

Housebuilder Abbey climbed by 10 cent to €5.10, on minimal trading.

Kenmare also advanced, rising by 5 cent to 38 cent.

Irish Continental suffered on the downside, falling by 45 cent to €15.30, while Grafton also declined, closing 4.8 cent lower at €3.38.

The market opens for a half-day of trading today, before closing again until January 4th.

Settlement date: January 5th