Around the World's Markets: London

LEADING SHARES gave up solid gains to close only slightly higher, as yet another set of strong US economic data dampened enthusiasm. The FTSE 100 finished up 19.4 points at 6,121.0, having been ahead by 70 points before the US employment data. Dealers said the damage for the British market was limited as the FTSE has suffered a 2.15 per cent tumble on Thursday. "The data makes a rate hike look likely - we might as well prefer to get it out of the way."

Market Report, page 21