The Irish market closed the trading year on an upbeat note although trading volumes in most shares were very small, with the exception of Fyffes and Smurfit where there was some chunky dealing. Overall, the Irish market ended up 13 per cent on the year - a creditable performance given the uncertainties on international markets.
More than 2.1 million shares traded as Fyffes jumped 13 cents to €1.00, with speculation that the McCann family may have been back in the market and bringing their stake towards 11 per cent. Whether that was the case or not, Fyffes is seen in the market as one of the most likely companies to be taken private given the weakness in its share price and the lack of interest from institutional investors.
Smurfit was four cents higher on €2.10 in volume of 1.5 million shares and CRH - one of Dublin analysts' top tips for 2001 - soared 80 cents to €19.82. A rebound in the Vodafone share price helped Eircom recover 20 cents to €2.70 while Kerry - another analysts' tip for 2001 - was 15 cents higher on €13.75.
Financials were generally firmer with Anglo Irish up four cents o n €3.14 while Bank of Ireland was 15 cents higher on €10.55. AIB was unchanged on €12.35 while First Active lost four cents to €2.20.
Technology shares were mixed on the various overseas markets, with Baltimore lower and Parthus higher in London while Trintech was up slightly on the Neuer Markt.
