Around the World's Markets: London

IN ANOTHER busy session - share turnover topped 1.2 billion - blue chips wilted after a bright start, although second and third-line shares moved ahead.

Footsie gained 103 points in the first six minutes of trading, but ran out of steam to end 9.3 lower at 5,876.4. Engineers rose on takeover speculation following LucasVarity: TI gained 30p to 350p and Morgan Crucible 16p to 188.5p. Reed International, up 41.75p to 571.75p, was an Internet play: it has set up 15 websites for its magazines.

Derek Pain, page 23