The Dublin market regained some value yesterday when trading picked up in the afternoon, but volumes remained light and international markets continue to look jittery. The overall ISEQ index fell back, although less dramatically than on Tuesday.

Dealers in Dublin say that, with the lack of domestic corporate news, they are seeking inspiration from the international markets, but so far it has not been forthcoming.

The afternoon buying centered around the leaders and particularly the financials. Nevertheless, AIB lost 5p to close at 1030p despite trading in volumes which were high on the day.

It announces its half-year results next Wednesday and dealers said expectation about the possible figures is likely to push the stock forward throughout the next week.

Bank of Ireland started the day losing some of its value, but a slight recovery later saw it close at 1395p, down from 1405p.

CRH was one of the biggest losers on the day, falling back 15p to 975p, in thin volumes. "It is not normally a big loser on the day, but there seemed to be a few sellers around today," a trader said.

Smurfit showed further signs of weakness with the price shedding value throughout the day. It finally closed down 6p at 171p. "The volumes are really tiny at the moment and there is pessimism about developments in its various international markets," said a trader.

Many of the second line stocks did not escape the drop either. Adare took one of the worst hits, falling from 970p to 910p in a slow trade. "For whatever reason a big seller came into the market and decided to take a profit," said a trader.

DCC was not as strong as normal, falling 8p to 610p, while IWP, down 7p to 365p, and Jurys, down 5p to 620p, lost out despite their strength in recent weeks. The two big food groups suffered similar fortunes, with Kerry shedding 7p to close at 930p, while Avonmore Waterford was also flat, dropping 7p to close at 270p.