THE FTSE 100 Index suffered more heavy losses today as investor unease about European sovereign debts continued to impact the London market.
There were only four blue-chip stocks in positive territory as the Footsie slipped another 65.6 points to 5073.8.
It fell to a three-month low last night as Greece’s precarious financial position and a surprise rise in initial claims for US jobless benefit - the fourth in five weeks - disappointed markets.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed more than 2.5% lower last night, while Asian weighed in with similar losses overnight.
Inter-broker dealer Icap was London’s biggest top flight faller after its guidance for full-year profits disappointed investors. Shares slumped more than 15%, or 56p to 309.2p.
Others in the financial sector were also under pressure, with Man Group off 8.5p at 216.6p and Lloyds Banking Group down 1.7p at 49.5p.
A rare bright spot in the session came from catering group Compass after it said 2010 had started well with strong levels of new business.
Despite the weak stock market, Compass shares rose by 4% or 16.8p to 444.6p.
It was followed by property firm Liberty International, which rose 7.6p to 459.9p after it confirmed it was looking at plans to separate its London and shopping centre businesses.
