FTSE reels after US rescue talks stall

The blue-chip index slumped more than 76 points, or 1.48%, to drop to 5,120.34. Talks with President Bush to agree the rescue deal halted after several hours after a group of Republican members of Congress blocked the plan. Eurasian has been hit hardest so far, tumbling 36.5p (6.13%) to 558.5p while fellow resources company Xstrata has fallen 90p (4.4%) to 1956p. Old Mutual dropped 5.35% to 83.10p while Lloyds TSB fell 4.21% to 261.75. However, Energy companies are faring better. Centrica has added 4.75p (1.48%) to climb to 326.5p, while Scottish & Southern Energy has climbed 15p to...