Around the World's Markets: London

FOR THE second successive day Footsie scored a century gain. With hopes of lower interest rates high and talk of mega-takeovers, the index jumped 111.3 points to 5,717.5p, the first time it closed above 5,700 in 14 weeks. Supporting shares made more modest gains.

EMI, the entertainment group, was the top Footsie performer, closing 56.5p up at 392p in busy trading. Interim profits are due next week, but the excitement came from stories of a Murdoch takeover strike next week.