Around the World's Markets: London

FOOTSIE bounded up 134.6 points to 5,876.5, its best since the end of July. Overseas demand, thought to be linked to the launch of the euro, as well as takeover rumours and a firm New York pushed blue chips higher. Supporting indices were up but lacked Footsie's exuberance.

Asda, the supermarket chain, jumped 6.75p to 159p on reports that it could be the target for Wal-Mart of the US. Furniture chain MFI, another rumoured target, firmed 4.5p to 32p