FTSE 100

Miners drag down index

RSMR's Stewart Smith analyses sell-off

Chancellor issues warning after nearly 5% FTSE drop

Investors rush for the exit amid China fears

Managers stand firm as panic-selling continues

Blue chips fall to lowest point since January

Mining sector suffers further falls

Mining stocks are dragging down the FTSE 100 index after weak trade figures in China have reignited worries about a slowdown in its economic growth.

Barclays helped boost the FTSE 100 today after chairman John McFarlane announced increased profits and a strict cost-cutting exercise in the interim company's results.

Insurer RSA has topped the FTSE All Share leaderboard this morning after rival Zurich Insurance confirmed it is considering a bid for the company.