Around the World's Markets: LONDON

WORRIES ABOUT Asia and the impact of the strong pound hit shares for the second day running. Footsie, up 48.1 points in early trading, ended 82.7 down at 5,769.8, its lowest for six weeks. At one time the index was off 102.2. Currency-sensitive stocks had another poor session with BAe off 21p to 489p. Hopes of yet further consolidation in the drugs industry lifted SmithKline Beecham 19p to 737p and Zeneca 32p to 2,602p. Government stocks gave ground.

See Market Report, page 17