.
| Market Comment |
| 2nd February 2012 |
The ISEQ index dropped 2.52 points to close at 3,065.82. Investors took profit after strong gains in the previous session and await Friday's key US jobs report and an expected resolution to the Greek debt restructuring.
In the financial sector, Fitch affirmed the ratings of AIB, Bank of Ireland, Irish Life & Permanent and IBRC. All were on ratings watch negative (RWN), but the affirmation of the ratings removes the RWN threat, imposed on 20 December. However, they still have negative outlooks. Bank of Ireland added 0.8c to 13c. AIB slipped 0.2c to 7.5c, while Irish Life & Permanent gained 0.5c to 3.7c. In the construction sector, CRH dropped 17c to 15.33. Grafton Group fell 3c to 2.68, while Kingspan dipped 6c to 7.24. In other news, Aer Lingus has announced that it is extending its venture with Aer Aran. The services will be from Dublin to Bournemouth in the UK and Shannon to Rennes in France. Shares in Aer Lingus closed up 2c to 89c. |