China growth fears send shares tumbling

Fears about slowing global growth forced markets sharply lower on Tuesday, with the FTSE 100 and indices across Europe tumbling.

The FTSE 100 dropped 1.4% or 81 points to 5,794, moving back below 5,800 for the first time in a month having already lost ground on Monday. In the US, the Dow Jones was down 1.1% in early trading at 12,823, with the S&P 500 dipping 1% to 1,350. Brazil adding to growth worries after it reported 2011 GDP growth of 2.7%. GDP expanded 0.3% in Q4 after Q3 growth was revised down to a 0.1% contraction. Shares in Europe were also under the cosh, with the German Dax off 1.84% or 126 points, at 6,740, and the French Cac 40 down 1.95% or 68 points, at 3,420. Investors are spooked followi...