Around the World's Markets

NEW YORK

SHARES IN package delivery giant UPS jumped on their first trading day, offsetting worrying economic data. The flotation was the biggest in US history. The shares opened at $65, 30 per cent above their $50 issue price on Tuesday night. Next Level Communication tripled after the broadband system's flotation; it closed on Nasdaq at $63.

Overall, stocks were mixed after inflation data added to interest-rate fears. The Dow was down 18 at 10,598 at midday.