The ISEQ index of Irish shares slipped 14.59 points to 2,708.54 in early trading today.
There was very little movement in the financial sector, with both Allied Irish Banks and Irish Life and Permanent static on 42c and €1.60 respectively. Bank of Ireland inched down 1c to 62c.
There were some significant falls, chief of which came for CRH, which sunk 24c to €12.26. DCC (down 20c to €20.61) and Paddy Power (down 14c to €27.76) also lost ground.
Kerry Group recorded the only gain of significance so far, rising 17c to €25.50.