Dublin report:The market slipped slightly yesterday from Friday's record high although it remained above the all-significant 9,000 level. The main culprits were the financials, which all lost ground, though the focus was really on other index members.

Kingspan in particular was in the spotlight after releasing a positive trading update. Dealers said they expected upgrades on the back of the statement, in which the building materials group said operating profit would grow by about 33 per cent this year, helped by a particularly strong performance in its insulated panels business. Dealers have long said the company is well placed to benefit from the increasing trend towards energy efficient housing. The shares rose 14 cent, to close at €19.30.

Meanwhile FBD's trading update wasn't quite so well received, despite saying the results will be "somewhat" ahead of market expectations. Analysts expressed disappointment that the better-than-expected figure was mainly a result of equity gains on the group's reserves. Shares fell more than 3 per cent, before recovering a little to close down 40 cent, at €43.

C&C put in a very strong showing, rising 37 cent, or 3 per cent, to close at €12.90. Dealers said the company could have benefited from news that rival Scottish & Newcastle was planning to push through price increases.

Ryanair was also a gainer, rising to a record closing price of €10.04, up 9 cent on Friday's close.

CRH also put in a good performance, holding on to its recent gains and adding 45 cent, or 1.5 per cent, to close at €30.50.

Meanwhile, Blackrock benefited yet again from news that it had bought six office buildings in the Netherlands for €46.5 million. The stock was up 2.2 per cent, or 1 cent, at 47 cent.