Around the World's Markets: London

THE FTSE 100 finished just below its closing high but set another trading high.The index topped 6,500 for the first time; it ended 34.9 up at 6,472.8. Supporting shares were also ahead.

Thursday's base-rate cuts helped interest-sensitive shares such as retailers and property. Kingfisher moved to a new high, gaining 38.5p to 890p, and Land Securities rose 24.5p to 840p. Strong figures from Sun Life & Provincial boosted insurance.