FTSE 100

London's leading share index has started the week firmly lower, with global sentiment knocked by worse than expected Chinese manufacturing data which had already sparked yet another slump for Japan's stock market.

The FTSE 100 index fell once again today as nervous investors continued to take profits, but it remains on track to lock-in its twelfth consecutive month of gains.

UK equity markets have got off to a flying start this year, with the FTSE All Share and FTSE 100 both enjoying double-digit returns, but which stocks have stood out?

Leading UK equity managers are backing housebuilder shares as government policies set the scene for further outperformance.

Major indices across Europe have opened lower this morning, reversing gains made yesterday as the IMF cut Chinese growth forecasts.

EQUITIES

UK equity income managers are selling out of defensive stocks which have led the global equity rally year-to-date, warning they are approaching bubble territory.

Japanese shares have clawed back some of their losses after falling more than 7% yesterday in a dramatic trading session.

The FTSE 100's long-running rally has been brought to a dramatic close this morning, with the index shedding 133 points in early trading as fears over an end to the US quantitative easing programme spook investors.

Many UK-listed stocks have got off to a flying start in 2013, with indices approaching all-time highs, but some companies have been given a rough ride by markets, destroying shareholders' capital in the process.