Metals - Gold rises for second day as dollar weakens vs euro UPDATE

Metals - Base metals higher as recovery in equities restores confidence UPDATE

STOCKWATCH Northern Rock gains on new bid talk; ING in the frame UPDATE

RPT STOCKWATCH Persimmon shares fall; ABN Amro cuts target price to 1,530p

OUTLOOK Antofagasta H1 pretax climbs on higher output, may pay special dividend

STOCKWATCH Basilea moves higher after solid H1 results, focus on pipeline news

US futures move higher

London shares - midday features

Midday Market Roundup

UK small caps stay sharply higher at midday; Wham Energy climbs on bid newsWALL STREET OUTLOOK Stronger; BoA investment in Countrywide Financial supports

Precious Metals Summary - London AM Fixings

STOCKWATCH Rio Tinto higher on 40 bln usd financing deal for Alcan

        LUNCH TIME FUN

Metals - Copper edges higher, tracking equities; subprime lingers in backgroundTFN economic and business calendar to Thursday Sept 6

STOCKWATCH Northern Rock gains on new bid talk; ING denies interest UPDATE

End-of-day Market Roundup

        JOKE OF THE DAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Some employees bought their boss a gift for his birthday.

Before opening the gift, the boss shook it slightly,
and noticed that it was wet in the corner.
Touching his finger to the wet spot and tasting it,
he asked, "A bottle of wine?"

His employees replied, "No."

Again, he touched his finger to the box and tasted the liquid.
"A bottle of scotch?"

"His employees replied again, "No."

Finally the boss asked, "I give up. What is it?"

His workers responded, "A puppy."