Around the World's Markets: London

NEW YORK

ALTHOUGH blue chips failed to hold their best levels, they ended a two-day losing streak with Footsie climbing 44.5 points (after 84) to 5,476.8. Supporting shares turned in a mixed display.

British American Tobacco was the best-performing blue chip, up 32p to 517p, on hopes of an early resolution to the health and smoking litigation in the US. Marks & Spencer continued its recovery despite the wrangling over its next chief executive. The shares rose 11p to 447p in brisk trading.