Midday Market Roundup

Metals - Copper down on worries over build up of stocks in Shanghai UPDATE

OUTLOOK National Grid set to grow FY EPS by 8.2 pct to 47.9 penceWALL STREET OUTLOOK Higher ahead of key housing, industrial production reports

STOCKWATCH Shell outperfoms as Nigerian protestors abandon company pipeline

               LUNCH TIME FUN

How do you feel today?

                         Musical                        Half done               Rocky

IQE 15.75 - 16.25p +0.25p

after the large volume yesterday, now is on the move up at both sides, and now aiming 17p

WALL STREET OUTLOOK Higher on surprise rise in housing starts UPDATE

STOCKWATCH InterContinental Hotels jumps amid fresh stakebuilding talks

WALL STREET OUTLOOK Higher on better-than-expected data UPDATE

London shares - midafternoon features

STOCKWATCH Intercontinental Hotels jumps amid fresh stakebuilding talks UPDATE

Metals - Gold extends earlier losses as dollar edges up on strong US dataPrecious Metals Summary - London AM Fixings

Precious Metals Summary - London PM Fixings

Precious Metals Summary - London Close

End-of-day Market Roundup

        JOKE OF THE DAY

A blonde walks up to a Coke machine and puts in a coin.
Out pops a Coke.

The blonde looks amazed and runs away to get some more coins.
She returns and starts feeding the machine madly
and of course the machine keeps feeding out drinks.

Another person walks up behind the blonde and watches
her antics for a few minutes before stopping her
and asking if someone else could have a go.

The blonde turns around and shouts,
"Can't you see I'm winning!"