Dow Jones

Disappointing economic figures from the US coupled with a warning over a double-dip recession in the UK have plunged global markets further into the red in afternoon trading.

The FTSE 100 has plunged in late morning trading as renewed concerns over the global economy end the recent rally powered by M&A speculation.

The FTSE 100 opened up 0.18% or 9.37 points to 5,204.65 boosted by bid activity in the financial sector.

The FTSE 100 and other major global indices are in sharp decline today on the back of poor US unemployment data.

Britain's leading share index has fallen back into the red after enjoying modest gains in early Thursday trading.

Prudential's 1.5% rise in early trading, following better than expected first-half profits, helped the FTSE edge 0.3% higher to 5257.79 points.

The FTSE 100 has slid more than 2% lower this afternoon after US markets suffered even sharper losses in early Wednesday trading.

US stocks opened sharply lower today as investors await a crucial statement from the Federal Reserve which could signal further quantitative easing measures.

The FTSE 100 opened strongly at the start of the week, boosted by Friday's late rally on Wall Street and positive corporate news.

The FTSE 100 opened in positive territory as strong results from majority-nationalised bank RBS crowned off a largely impressive results week for the UK banking sector.