Around the world's markets: London

GROWING EXPECTATIONS that the Monetary Policy Committee will feel obliged to cut interest rates by half a percentage point, or perhaps even a full point, boosted shares. Strong overseas markets were another factor. Footsie jumped 119 points (after 141) to 5,622.9 and supporting shares made headway.

There were big gains for some shares hit hardest in the slide. Bid hopes lifted United Biscuits, up 19p to 249p, and building materials group Marley, up 7p to 77.5p.

Derek Pain, page 23