Remarks on the Value of the Higgs Mass from the Present LEP Data

Abstract

We perform a detailed comparison of the present LEP data with the one-loop standard-model predictions. It is pointed out that for $m_t=174$ GeV the ``bulk'' of the data prefers a rather large value of the Higgs mass in the range 500-1000 GeV, in agreement with the indications from the W mass. On the other hand, to accommodate a light Higgs it is crucial to include the more problematic data for the $\tau$ F-B asymmetry. We discuss further improvements on the data taking required to obtain a firm conclusion.

Comments: LaTeX Some comments were added to the note in relation to the new data on the top-quark mass.