Market Report:The Irish market again took its lead from the macro picture yesterday, a trait that sent it down to its lowest closing level in almost a month.

Things didn't start off too badly, according to one trader, but as usual negative economic data out of the US in the mid-afternoon sent things tumbling. In addition, the dollar slumped to a 20-month low against the euro after the weaker than expected US manufacturing data compounded concerns about a slowing in the US economy.

As a result, CRH was one of the biggest losers, ending the day down 55 cent, or 1.9 per cent, at €27.90. The company, which makes about half of its sales in the US, often bears the brunt of negative news from the region.

Elsewhere sentiment was also negative, though not so severe, amongst the financials, which were all decliners.

Allied fell 35 cent, or 1.7 per cent, to €20.70, while Bank of Ireland was down 23 cent, or 1.4 per cent, at €15.97.

Anglo meanwhile lost 11 cent, or 0.8 per cent, closing at €14.24.

The news was more positive in other sectors, as Fyffes and Blackrock continued to benefit from the strong buying interest seen on Thursday following speculation that an unidentified property developer was eyeing Blackrock.

Yesterday, however, Fyffes was the main beneficiary, rising 2 cent, or 1.2 per cent, to €1.66. As many as 3.2 million shares changed hands.

Blackrock ended the day unchanged at 45 cent, after rising to 48 cent earlier in the day. The stock is up 12.5 per cent on its closing price last Friday.

Dealers reported significant interest in Independent News & Media, which saw more than 2.9 million shares change hands. The shares rose 5 cent, or 1.8 per cent, to close at €2.77.