Around the World's Markets: London

THE FTSE 100 set a record close for the third successive session, bolstered again by a narrow range of heavyweights. The index ended the day up 7.5 points, 0.1 per cent, at 6,692.3, with the pharmaceutical sector making the largest overall contribution with 6.5 points. A new intra-day high of 6,759.3 was set before Wall Street opened weaker.

Volume was 1.24 billion, a solid total but the lowest for 16 sessions. Traders were uncertain whether the gains would be held.

Market report, page 22