Around the World's Markets: London

THE BLUE chip index ended broadly flat but still within striking distance of life-time highs, after a mixed session that saw gains for Vodafone, but more agony for retailers. The FTSE 100 closed 4.9 points lower at 6,550.8, after trading around Wednesday's closing level for much of the day.

Analysts said the FTSE 100 was set to end the millennium on a high note, with both its intraday and closing records up against the ropes.