On the downside, building materials giant CRH traded down 1.6 per cent, while Irish Continental Group, which operates Irish Ferries, was down 2.8 per cent at close of business. Elsewhere, Paddy Power Betfair parent Flutter Entertainment closed down 20 basis points
Prudential saw its share price fall by 6.1 per cent after revealing its chief executive had resigned following an investigation into his conduct. Despite posting a 17 per cent drop in profits in the latest financial year, investors were buoyed by its promises for future success. Its share price climbed by 8 per cent.European shares hit a two-month low as concerns about a global slowdown on China’s weak economic data and uncertainty around the US debt ceiling outpaced optimism from signs of easing inflation in some major euro zone economies.
Meanwhile, B & jumped 8 per cent after the British discount retailer forecast higher 2024 core earnings, as customers snap up budget food and goods amid a cost-of-living crunch.