1.   Banking shares were also boosted by speculation about consolidation in the industry.

2.   Banks were boosted by speculation about further consolidation in the industry, traders and analysts said.

3.   BELGIAN stocks were mixed, as losses in CBR Cimenteries SA offset gains in Barco SA on a healthy profit outlook, while speculation boosted Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA.

4.   Belgian shares were mixed as merger speculation boosted financial and pharmaceutical stocks, such as UCB SA.

5.   It was also boosted by speculation it might be taken over in a consolidation of the liquor industry.

6.   Pharmaceutical concern Zeneca Group Plc was boosted by speculation that it may be the object of takeover bids.

7.   Shares in some regional telecommunications companies were also boosted by speculation about a change in revenue distribution.

8.   Soybean futures were boosted by speculation that a weaker dollar could increase exports.

9.   That speculation also boosted HSBC.

10.   Takeover speculation boosted Pearson Plc, Thorn EMI Plc and Rexam Plc. Gains in takeover targeted stocks should set the pace for next week.