Around the World's Markets: London

BLUE CHIPS lost ground for the third day in succession. Footsie eased 4.9 points to 6,201.9 after at one time sporting a 62.8 point gain. But supporting shares were more resilient with the mid cap index edging 0.8 higher to 5,519.7 and the small cap rising 9.2 to 2,375.8.

Although the market endured a generally featureless session, trading was again busy with share turnover topping 1.1 billion.

Colt Telecom, which led Monday's retreat, headed the blue chips' risers, rallying 56.5p to 995.5p.