FTSE risers and fallers: FTSE 100 falls one per cent as global growth concerns hit stock markets

Stock markets across the world have fallen today on heightened fears of a global growth slowdown.

Warnings by the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations that the US-China trade war could accelerate the slowdown yesterday weighed heavily on equities as the FTSE 100 fell more than one per cent.

The mining sector, reliant on China as one of the world’s largest commodities importers, endured a tough day as Glencore, Antofagasta, Rio Tinto and BHP all dropped around two per cent.

A resurgent pound, which climbed 0.5 per cent to $1.2951 after UK employment reached record highs, also hindered the exporter-heavy index.

“Global stocks have retained a somewhat downbeat tone throughout today’s session, as growth concerns continue to drag demand for risk assets,” IG analyst Joshua Mahony said.

“Yesterday’s IMF growth downgrade remains a worry given their reference to a host of factors, including Brexit, US-China trade, and Italian fiscal issues.”

Easyjet was the FTSE 100’s biggest riser jumping 6.2 per cent after the firm said profits remained on track to meet market expectations of £580m.

The airline said last month’s Gatwick drone incident would cost the company £15m but investors were buoyed by strong quarterly revenue growth of 13.7 per cent to £1.29bn.

Ocado rose three per cent and Kingfisher rose two per cent.

Wood Group was the index’s sharpest faller, dropping 4.1 per cent, followed by Evraz – down 3.5 per cent and GVC Holdings – down three per cent, while Royal Dutch Shell A and B both also fell more than 2.5 per cent.

The German Dax fell 0.4 per cent and the French CAC also dropped 0.4 per cent.