Cyprus turmoil triggers markets sell-off

clock

Major indices across Europe fell in early trading on Monday as investors were spooked by Cyprus's decision to impose an unprecedented bank levy on deposits held in the country.

The FTSE 100 opened about 100 points lower before settling at 6,444, a drop of 45 points or almost 0.7%. Elsewhere across Europe, both the German Dax and French Cac indices were more than 1% lower. Overnight in the Asia-Pacific region, almost every benchmark gauge fell as Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades bowed to demands by eurozone finance ministers to raise €5.8bn by taking a piece of every bank account in Cyprus. The bank tax could be levied today if politicians sign it off. However, the shock tax on deposit holders sent markets reeling amid fears it will spark a move to wit...

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

FCA's Rathi addresses Autumn Budget market abuse concerns

FCA's Rathi addresses Autumn Budget market abuse concerns

Pens open letter to Treasury Committee

Isabel Baxter
clock 04 December 2025 • 2 min read
More tax, less shelter: A slow-burn Budget for savers and investors

More tax, less shelter: A slow-burn Budget for savers and investors

'The Budget documents make for sobering reading for those trying to build up their wealth'

Laith Khalaf
clock 04 December 2025 • 3 min read
OBR 'deeply regrets' early release of Budget document

OBR 'deeply regrets' early release of Budget document

Mistaken release of Budget documents forced Richard Hughes' resignation

Linus Uhlig
clock 02 December 2025 • 3 min read