Around the World's Markets: London

MID-CAP shares again made the running as blue chips marked time. In another busy session Footsie ended above its worst level, off 27.5 points at 6,466.1.

Much of the action was among the 250 mid-cap shares and their index rose 69.8 to 5,707,3. The small caps made more modest headway.

Asda was the day's best performing blue chip, jumping 17.25p to 176.5p on takeover rumours. RioTinto was up 92.5p to 1,004p, and Billiton 18p to 187.5p. Derek Pain, page 21