THE FTSE 100 Index plunged to its lowest level since December 1995 yesterday after the worst run in its history.
Continued uncertainty about Iraq and corporate profitability saw the Footsie close down 55.8 points at 3622.2.
The drop means the index has now fallen for nine days in a row - the first time this has happened.
A host of heavyweight shares weighed on the market with banks, telecoms and oil stocks all heading downwards.
Analysts said doubts over Iraq meant fund managers were holding back from investing new money into market.
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