Around the World's Markets: London

SHARES HAD another difficult session. The worsening Balkans situation and the lack of any inspiration from New York left Footsie down 43.8 points at 6,016.7; at one time the index was off 92.2. Supporting shares were also in retreat. WH Smith, the retailer, was the latest to climb aboard the Internet bandwagon, jumping 67.5p to a 657.5p peak following a deal with Microsoft and BT. But Dixons, the electrical retailer which roared ahead on its Internet link, was hit by profit taking, falling 113p to 1,239p.

Derek Pain, page 23