Around the World's Market: London

SHARES RETREATED as profit-takers hit the banking sector and Wall Street edged lower. The FTSE 100 closed down 71.4 points, or 1.17 per cent, at 6,007.

Banks accounted for around 40 points of the FTSE's loss, as investors awaited the next move following Bank of Scotland's surprise bid for NatWest.

Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland and Abbey National were all among the top fallers as investors opted to cash in gains.

Market report, page 24