Black day for markets as Europe fears resurface

The UK's leading share index shed almost 100 points on Monday, with shares across Europe and the US also plunging, as investors fretted over the outlook for Europe once again.

The index lost 1.65% or 91 points, to close at 5,438 points, as investors feared European politicians had not done enough to avert a major crisis.

Meanwhile the Dow was down 1.44% or 175 points to 12,008 just before London's markets closed, erasing the majority of gains at the back end of last week.

The index had achieved its largest two-week percentage gain since July 2009 by close of play Friday.

Investors are concerned over the huge economic challenges Europe faces to reduce its escalating debt burden.

The S&P 500 had fallen 1.64% or 120 points to 1,234 by 4.30pm.

In Europe the German Dax was down 182 points, or 3.08%, to 5,803, while the French Cac declined 2.29% - or 72.5 points - to 3,099.