Around the World's Markets: Paris

THE CAC-40 closed down 0.24 per cent at 4,344.25, leaving it down 1 per cent on the week. Trading was dominated by the launch of Aerospatiale Matra, which closed over 16 per cent above its issue price at 22.35 euros. Lagardere, which owns about one-third of the company, gained over 4 per cent to 38.70 euros.

LVMH added 2 per cent at 276.0 euros on press reports of a pick-up in its Asian business. Pernod clawed back some losses amid talk it was raising funds.