Market Report: The market finished broadly flat after an uninspiring trading session yesterday. Volumes were fairly low across the board, with price movements limited.
Some distraction came in late London trade, where energy stock Viridian surged by 3.85 per cent to close at £10.38 on what some saw as takeover speculation. Others argued that investors are simply eyeing the firm's ex-dividend date, which falls next week. Back at home, Ryanair lost some ground ahead of quarterly results due on Tuesday. Shares fell by 16 cent to €7.74.
Elan, which reports on the same day, was in better form as it added 38 cent to finish at €11.55.
Greencore was in the news after launching a judicial review of the Government's sugar compensation decision, although dealers said the move had been expected by investors. Shares fell by four cent to €4.02.
Fellow food stock IAWS was much stronger as it drew benefit from solid results issued by Tim Hortons, the Canadian doughnut and coffee chain, with which it has a joint venture. Shares rose by 27 cent to €14.15.
Kerry Group was also ahead at the close, finishing 17 cent higher at €15.80.
The financials were quiet, with only the big two managing a positive finish to the week. AIB, which is expected to report good numbers on Tuesday, rose by four cent to €18.84. Bank of Ireland climbed by 25 cent to reach €14.00.
On the losing side, Anglo Irish slipped back by 10 cent to €11.45, while Irish Life & Permanent gave up 15 cent to close at €17.80.
CRH had a day of extremes in price terms, with volume remaining very weak. Shares touched a high of €25.61 and a low of €25.23 before ending the day at €25.35, down 19 cent.
Paddy Power put in another good performance, rising by 14 cent to €12.98.
Waterford Wedgwood ticked up by 0.1 cent to 4.5 cent as this week's fundraising was bedded down. Bank of Ireland Asset Management now holds 5.7 per cent of the company.
