P503ORACLE 503 Mon 3 Feb C4 1713:18  STOCK      Mon Close    Fears of a further base rate rise clouded sentiment on stock markets and there were widespread falls in most sectors. Inevitably, the worst hit sectors were stores, builders and other consumer durables. International stocks were wanted because of the pound's slide. Gilts ended the day 50p down, but BOC Group added 7p and ICI 11p on currency considerations. Banks were hit by worries about Third World debt if the oil price continues to decline, NatWest giving up 10p. FIDELITY INTERNATIONAL ON PAGE 574