Around the World's Markets: London

AT ONE time down 74.4 points Footsie ended little changed at 5,432.3. Utilities turned in a strong display and retail shares largely overcame a gloomy British Retail Consortium survey.

Despite the continuing boardroom battle, Marks & Spencer rose 18p to 436p but Storehouse, the subject of recent profit downgradings, fell 7.5p to 168p, fashion chain Next lost 23.5p to 490p and Great Universal Stores gave up 21p to 625p.

Derek Pain, page 23