Around the World's Markets: LONDON

ANOTHER BUSY session saw turnover topping 1.3 billion, but blue chips failed to hold early gains. At one time Footsie was up 83.4 points; it closed 3.9 down at 5,872.5.Supporting shares, buoyed by takeover rumours, were strong.

There was evidence of persistent overseas buying, with some domestic fund managers prepared to trim holdings where they were sitting on profits. ICI led the Footsie retreat, falling 24.5p to 525p as investment house WestLB Panmure said sell.

Derek Pain, page 23