Western markets fall as investors take profits

The FTSE 100, European indices, and US shares all fell on Monday as investors took profits from recent rallies amid signs of a slowdown in China.

Markets around the globe fell back as investors paused for breath following recent gains, having been buoyed by hopes of a resolution in Europe. The FTSE 100 was off 36 points or 0.6%, closing at 5,874.8, while the French Cac ended the session down 0.3% or 11.2 points, at 3,489. Germany's Dax was also weaker, shedding 0.8% or 52 points, to 6,868. Markets had recovered from early lows but were hit once again after the US opened, with both the Dow and the S&P 500 lower as data from China showed growth was slowing. As a result, the Dow was down 0.5$% or 69.7 points, at 12,907.9, wh...