FTSE remains fragile after global sell-off

The FTSE continued to fall in early trade, down 0.34% to 5138.51, following yesterday's massive sell-off in global shares on escalating fears about the economic recovery.

London's blue chip index closed 78.89 points lower at 5,155.95 while yields on  long-term Government bonds fell to their lowest on record at 2.876%.

Markets were hit around the globe with Japan's Nikkei down 1.3%, crashing below the 9,000 barrier for the first time in 15 months. Poor housing sales data from the US also pushed the Dow 1.3% lower at 10,040.45.

Investors will be hoping the FTSE can withstand further pressures today and stave off larger losses.

Winners in early trading include services provider Serco Group up 1.52% and Man Group ahead 1.16%. However, miners are in the red with Tullow Oil the largest loser down 3.93% to 1246.00p while Eurasian Natural Resources, Kazakhmys and Xstrata have also lost ground.