Chancellor issues warning after nearly 5% FTSE drop
Investors rush for the exit amid China fears
Managers stand firm as panic-selling continues
Blue chips fall to lowest point since January
Mining stocks are dragging down the FTSE 100 index after weak trade figures in China have reignited worries about a slowdown in its economic growth.
Barclays helped boost the FTSE 100 today after chairman John McFarlane announced increased profits and a strict cost-cutting exercise in the interim company's results.
Insurer RSA has topped the FTSE All Share leaderboard this morning after rival Zurich Insurance confirmed it is considering a bid for the company.
HSBC is facing ejection from the FTSE 100 if it goes ahead with plans to return its headquarters to Hong Kong.
Aberdeen Asset Management is at the bottom of today's FTSE 100 leaderboard after shares slumped more than 7% following a disappointing trading update