FTSE 100 Index plunges for the ninth day in a row

The FTSE 100 Index plunged to its lowest level since December 1995 yesterday after the worst ever run in its history.

Continued uncertainty about possible war in 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 ever happened.