FTSE falls below 6000

The FTSE is currently sitting at 5937 - 1.75% lower - having started the day at 6042. Equities have fallen across Europe as the dollar declined against the euro and concern mounted that accelerating US inflation will lead to higher interest rates. Energy companies such as BP and Cairn Energy have dropped as crude oil slipped from its highest position in a week. Anglo American led a retreat by metal and mining shares, the year's best performers. HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland Group, the nation's two largest lenders, also declined. BP, Europe's biggest oil company and the FTSE 100'...