The market was quiet yesterday, despite welcoming another flurry of first-half numbers. The biggest newsmaker among the reporting firms was Glanbia, which produced flat numbers but pleased investors with a $105 million (€81.8 million) US acquisition. Shares rose by five cent to close €2.45, but dealers said most trade throughout the day was conducted at the €2.50 level.

Paddy Power slipped by five cent to €14.25 after its results met expectations but failed to excite. Tullow, which exceeded earnings expectations, rose by 6.75p to 398.25p in London, where it is mostly traded.

FBD was quiet as it rose by 20 cent to €38.80 on the back of interims that showed a decline in profits but slightly outpaced forecasts.

Still in financials, Anglo Irish declined by nine cent to €12.60, despite attracting upgrades in the wake of Tuesday's trading update. AIB moved 20 cent lower to €20.50, while Bank of Ireland fell by 10 cent to €14.60.

Irish Life & Permanent, which delivered bumper results on Tuesday, shed 40 cent to end the session at €19.55. Merrion has upgraded the stock for both 2006 and 2007.

Elsewhere, Kingspan rose again as the market digested Tuesday's strong results. Shares added five cent to finish at €15.40. Kerry, which also reported on Tuesday, rose by 10 cent to €17.55. CRH lost ground after moving ex-dividend by 13.5 cent. Shares closed at €27.45, down 28 cent. C&C suffered some profit taking in the wake of last week's increases, but still ended the day in the black by rising four cent to €10.15.

Independent News & Media was one of the busier stocks as it rose by three cent to €2.42. Results are due the week after next. Today's reporting companies include Fyffes, down three cent to €1.59. CPL, which also issues numbers, rose by 10 cent to €4.90.