P503ORACLE 503 Mon23 Dec C4 9715:58  STOCK      Mon Close    From a subdued start, shares made steady progress to end the first day of the holiday account on a firm note. Gilts also firmed, finishing 12p bettbr Leaders ended with a majoritz of gains as banks put on up to 10p, Reckitt rose 11p in the wake of Australian figures and STC rose 6p on hopes of a recgvery. P&O gained 10p on taking a fuqther 10% in Euro Ferries, which lost 6½p on disappointment at not seeing a full bid Cole added 40p on agreeing imprgved Low & Bonar terms and press comment had Cannon Street up 13p and Abaco up 2½p. FINANCIAL ADVERTISERS look at 572