Footsie stocks fall on bad news after dismal week

THE FTSE 100 Index ended another torrid week on the back foot yesterday today after financial stocks struggled in the face of more grim news.

By the close, the Footsie was down 66.5 points at 3813.8 to ensure a week which started with a £44 billion slump eventually finished lower.

In the banking sector, Abbey was down 34.5p at 505.5p, Barclays down 19.5p at 388p, Lloyds TSB off 12.5p at 492.5p and Royal Bank of Scotland 60p lower at £12.49.