WALL STREET OUTLOOK Lower on April retailer sales, widening trade deficit UPDATE

Metals - Copper down on technical factors, lower cancelled warrants

RVA 85 - 90p +3.50p

on the bounce today, after a large buy trade earlier this morning
on the chart could be a double bottom forming as Indicators are at oversold

London shares - midafternoon features

STOCKWATCH Carrefour gains on renewed LBO talk, Arnault comments UPDATE

Metals - Gold extends earlier falls as dollar strengthens further

Precious Metals Summary - London PM Fixings

STOCKWATCH Friends Provident up 8 pct on Axa rumour

End-of-day Market Roundup

        JOKE OF THE DAY

Sean Connery was interviewed by Michael Parkinson, and bragged that
despite being 72 years of age, he could still have sex 3 times a night.
Cilla Black, who was also a guest, looked intrigued.
After the show, Cilla says, "Sean, if I'm not bein too forward,
I'd luv to 'ave sex with yer.
Lets go back to my ouse, we could 'ave a lorra fun.

So they went back to her place.
After a couple of drinks they went off to bed
and had an hour of mad passionate sex together.

Afterwards, Sean says, "If you think that was good,
let me shleep for half an hour, and we can have better shex.
But while I'm shleeping, hold my balls in your left hand
and ma willie in your right hand".

Cilla looks a bit perplexed, but says "Okay".
He sleeps for half an hour, awakens, and they have
even better sex than before.

Then Sean says, "Cilla, that was wonderful.
But if you let me shleep for an hour, we can have the besht shex yet.
You'll have to......." "I know Sean.
Yer want me to 'old onto yer bat 'n balls again. No problem hun".

Cilla complies with the routine.
The results this time are absolutely mind blowing.
Once it's all over, they have a drink, Sean lights a cigarette
and Cilla asks "Sean, tell me, dis 'oldin yer balls in one hand
and yer willie in de other - does it really stimulate yer that much?"

Sean replies, "No, not at all Cilla,
but the last time I shlept with a scouser,
the bitch stole ma wallet !"