Around the World's Markets: JAKARTA

A DECISION by British-based Standard Chartered Bank to quit the Bank Bali deal dampened sentiment on the Jakarta exchange yesterday, especially among foreign players. The Jakarta composite index ended down 5.88 points, or 0.9 per cent, at 646.51 points.

Analysts' opinions were mixed on Standard's decision. Some said it would set a bad precedent to foreign investors. But others said it was a one- off situation that shouldn't shake those closely following Indonesian developments.