The Dublin market ended up just 0.17 per cent yesterday as traders reported strong buying interest but a lack of decent sized offers.

CRH continued to perform strongly and was up 11p on the day. Irish Continental Group also performed well and was up 10p at the close of business, finishing at 560p.

In London the market suffered a mild setback as operators feared a downward revision in forecasts of British economic growth this year, traders said after the close. The Footsie index gave up 7.5 points or 0.15 per cent on the day to end at 3,761.7 points.