IRISH shares were broadly unchanged in featureless afternoon trading as they failed to respond to overseas weakness after the release of stronger than expected US employment figures. The US labour department announced that 239,000 new jobs had been created "in June, cutting unemployment rate from 5.6 per cent to 5.3 per cent. This signalled the prospect of "a rise in US interest rates, sooner rather than later. Some analysts complained that the Fed missed its opportunity last week when it could have been pro-active, but would now have to be reactive.
The Dow Jones index tumbled in early trading, as did shares in most European exchanges. Irish dealers said they would keep a close eye on how London opened on Monday. This could set the tone for next week's trading.
CRH gained 7p to 624p in the aftermath of its acquisition of Allied Irish Building Products for $121 million (£75.6 million). Normally it acquires much small companies but this will add another leg to its US operations and will provide it with a base to expand a distribution business.
Jurys continued its onward march following good results on Thursday which showed a 58 per cent rise in profits to £9.5 million. And further strong growth is expected this year. After a 5p rise on Thursday, the shares rose another 5p to 290p yesterday but later fell to 280p in a sterling deal, down 5p on the day.
Waterford Foods was weaker and dropped 3p to 93p. Adare Printing put on 2p to 462p.
