Around the World's Markets: Paris

IN QUIET trading, shares in Paris lost early gains and the blue chip CAC-40 index finished 16.17 points down at 4,159.8. At one time it was riding at a 4,224.46 peak. Tokyo's firmness and corporate results inspired the early strength.

Vivendi was the most active stock, falling 1.3 per cent. Banks were weak, with Societe Generale, BNP and Paribas giving ground. Second-line shares moved ahead, helped by profit upgrades. The SBF-250 smaller companies index rose 18.1 points to 2,651.74.