SHARES in Dublin fell back in lacklustre trade as attention remained focused on the US market. Key retail sales and producer prices data are due out on Friday in the US and some market analysts are now predicting a hike in US interest rates.

The lack of any domestic corporate activity of note has intensified the interest in Wall Street, despite a steadying of international markets since last Friday, dealers pointed out.

Financial stocks remained weak in keeping with the trend over previous days. AIB was unchanged at 322p while Bank of Ireland, fell 3p to 420.

Irish Life fell 7p to 235p as the surplus of sellers over buyers remained. Irish Permanent was unchanged at 400p.

Among the other leaders, CRH was 1p weaker on 615p while Smurfit was a penny better at 167p. Clondalkin shares fell by 18 1/2p to 511 1/2p but market sources said that only a small number of shares changed hands at this level. Jurys' shares were better, rising from 287p sterling to 282p. Irish Continental Group was unchanged at 570p.

Other shares losing ground late in the day included Kerry down 10p to 630p and Waterford Wedgwood off 1/2p at 79 1/2p. Woodchester, which also has some exposure in the North, dropped 5p to 194p.

AIB has reduced its stake in Jones Group by 31,758 shares to 2,908,882, giving it a 22.81 per cent stake. The bank has also notified the market of a further reduction in its stake in Ryan Hotels to 11.85 per cent. It has also issued notice of a 6.86 per cent stake in Irish Continental Group and 17.96 per cent in Heiton Holdings.