FTSE and euro plunge as Greece fears intensify

clock

The FTSE has plunged in afternoon trading and the euro slumped to a 14-month low against the dollar on fears Greece's financial troubles will spill over into neighbouring states.

It is the second day fear over Greek contagion has gripped European markets as violence broke out in Athens. At least three people were killed as protesters set fire to a bank during a general strike over planned austerity measures, which were a condition of the £95bn bailout plan agreed at the weekend. The European Commission (EC) also said today it expected the Greek economy to contract 3% this year. Growth in the eurozone as a whole has been upwardly revised from 0.7% to 0.9% but the Commission warned the region's economic recovery continues to be clouded in uncertainty. Markets...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

The current outlook for US tariffs is complex and their full impact on growth remains to be seen. Columbia Threadneedle Investments explores what advisers need to know, key events to keep top of mind and how to navigate the uncertainty.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
clock 23 October 2025 • 5 min read
IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

Think tank urges chancellor to avoid 'limping from one forecast to the next'

Linus Uhlig
clock 16 October 2025 • 2 min read
Why higher bond yields aren't causing a Mini-Budget meltdown

Why higher bond yields aren't causing a Mini-Budget meltdown

'One thing we know about Rachel Reeves is she will live or die by her fiscal rules'

Laith Khalaf
clock 07 October 2025 • 5 min read