Dublin's ISEQ index of Irish shares has ended 2009 at 2,975, up almost 27% over the year and a turnaround from 2008's fall of more than 66%.
In a half-day of trading, the ISEQ ended the day 37 points (1.2%) lower. The main gainer today was Aer Lingus, up 8.3% to 65 cent, but food group Kerry dropped almost 5% to €20.58. Pharmaceutical company Elan lost 6.7% to €4.20.
Meanwhile, British and French stock markets rose in light half-day trading to finish 2009 with bumper annual gains of more than 22% due mainly to growing confidence about an economic recovery.
London's FTSE gained 0.3% on the day to end at 5,413, while the Paris CAC ended marginally higher at 3,936. Frankfurt had closed early on Wednesday.
This year, London and Paris have each soared by more than 22% in value, while Frankfurt jumped almost 24%.
Dublin, Frankfurt, London and Paris will remain shut on Friday and re-open for business on Monday January 4.
In Asia, the Tokyo market was closed, while the Hang Seng closed up 1.8% at 21,873.
