Iseq slips as markets fall on bleak US jobless data

Iseq:2,943.53 (–24.64) Settlement date:July 13th

THE ISEQ index retreated yesterday as equity markets tumbled on dismal US unemployment data.

The key event on the macro stage was the release of non-farm payroll numbers in the US, which triggered a global sell-off when they came in weaker than expected.

Cement giant CRH, which has one of the greatest exposures to the US of all Irish-listed companies, had a weak start to the day and then fell further once the unemployment data came on-stream. By the end of the session it was more than 4 per cent off, but managed to remain above €14.00 which has proved key support level for the stock, and closed at €14.25.

Builders merchant and DIY group Grafton nose-dived after releasing a disappointing trading update. Though the UK market is performing better than expected, the Irish market is weaker, and the stock fell as much as 10 per cent on the day on decent volume as investors adjusted to the group’s lower profit expectations. By the close it had recovered slightly, but was still more than 8 per cent off at just under €3.05.

“If you disappoint, you get punished. Today was another example of that,” a trader said.

Grafton Group’s update had a ripple effect on the likes of Kingspan, which shed almost 15 cent to end at €7.10.

Bookmakers Paddy Power, which has turned in a stellar performance of late, pulled back a little. It closed 1.5 per cent, or 57 cent, off at €37.43.

Ryanair had a relatively good day in comparison with most European carriers which were in poor shape yesterday. The low-fares airline fell less than 1 per cent, or three cent, to €3.42.

On the junior market, recruitment firm CPL Resources rose five cent to €2.70 after releasing a positive trading statement.