Accountancy giant Arthur Andersen which is embroiled in the Enron bankruptcy scandal is laying off about 7,000 US employees over the next few months

Share prices were higher in early trade after changing direction several times in uncertain price action, as investors reviewed a new set of technology sector research notes and a defense industry takeover offer, dealers said.

George W Bush is to say that up to 100,000 terrorists around the globe now threaten America in his State of the Union address.