Around the World's Markets: London

FOOTSIE CONTINUED its recovery, gaining 54.2 points to 6,139.2; at one time it was off 23.4. The mid cap remained in negative territory, but the small cap comeback held; they posted a 6.3-point gain to 2,394.3.

Trading volume was again high at 1.4 billion shares, with Diageo buyback swelling turnover; the spirits giant rose 23.5p to 694p. Woolwich, as talk of corporate action mingled with hopes it will score from increased mortgage activity, gained 28.5p to 394.75p.

Derek Pain, page 19