Around the World's Markets: Frankfurt

GERMAN SHARES were mixed, with the market lacking real direction after falling for the first three days of the week, then recovering after Thursday's pan-European interest rate cut.

Siemens, Germany's largest electronics company, shed seven per cent after analysts said that the company's growth forecasts were over-optimistic.

BMW dropped a further six per cent, making a total weekly loss of 23 per cent, on continued concern over the company's investment in Rover Group.