Around the World's Markets: London

THE FTSE 100 closed at a new all-time high on Thursday, propelled by big rises in BP Amoco and telecoms stocks, and regulatory clearance for Bank of Scotland's hostile bid for NatWest. The lead index closed up 121 points, or 1.8 per cent, at 6,682.8 points, beating the previous record of 6,620.6 points, set on 6 July. The new level puts the market's gain since the start of the year at 13.6 per cent.

Vodafone Airtouch and British Telecom surged, adding 61 points to the index. Market report, page 24