Around the World's Markets: London

BLUE CHIPS ended slightly lower after a lacklustre session yesterday, undermined by domestic profit-taking and a weaker Wall Street. The FTSE 100 closed 11.8 down at 6563.2 after trading in a tight range. Dealers were eager to square their books ahead of the weekend and could not resist booking some profits after Thursday's 100-point rise. The FTSE 250 outperformed the leaders, ending 7.9 higher at 6083.4 while the Small Cap had a dull day and finished 0.4 down at 2746.4.

Market Report, page 21