FTSE

The FTSE 100 has plunged in late morning trading as renewed concerns over the global economy end the recent rally powered by M&A speculation.

Every single market movement and utterance from an economic sage is being met with speculation about the dreaded double-dip.

The FTSE 100 and other major global indices are in sharp decline today on the back of poor US unemployment data.

Britain's leading share index has fallen back into the red after enjoying modest gains in early Thursday trading.

The Dow Jones has made steady gains on the back of positive US economic news, allaying fears of a slowing economy.

The FTSE has extended early gains after figures showed inflation eased in July, with financials and mining stocks leading the charge into positive territory.

The average daily trading value of ETFs and other exchange-traded products on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) has increased 57% year-on-year, to reach £362m.

Insurers rallied on Friday following speculation over bid interest in Aviva's general insurance business.

Commerzbank is due to launch ComStage ETFs in the UK for the first time in September.

Prudential is expected to palm off part of the cost of its aborted £24bn bid for Asian rival AIA on to the UK taxpayer.