Around the World's Markets: London

RUMOURS OF corporate activity in telecoms helped Footsie to achieve a 64.6-point gain to 5,358.5. A link or even merger between Vodafone and US group Airtouch was the main story: Vodafone jumped 39.5p to 778p.

A firm New York showing and hopes of a half-point interest-rate cut next week also helped. Supporting shares were firm although trading was moderate. Reuters, the information group, led the Footsie charge, up 49.5p to 616p on last week's trading statement.

Derek Pain, page 25