TAKING STOCK

BHP, the Australian giant, is to continue to explore the Chapare oil field in Bolivia, on which it has already spent pounds 20m. Its decision should please supporters of wonder share Pan Andean. The company has a 20 per cent interest in the field and BHP will start drilling there in the next few months. Pan Andean shares have gyrated ahead of the announcement. They climbed from 12p to 90p in 12 months as excitement has grown about its Bolivian adventure.

Rhino, the video games retailer, rose 1.5p to 15p. It is due to change its name to Electronics Boutique, reflecting the identity of its big shareholder, and under new management is said to be making headway. Christmas is the key trading period, accounting for 40 per cent of sales.