Share trading up in wake of terror attacks

The economic uncertainty caused by the US terror attack meant September was the second busiest month ever on the London Stock Exchange.

More than 4.4 million trades took place last month, 31% up on a year ago, as nervous investors bought and sold shares in droves, according to the exchange.

Last month's high is second only on the LSE's records to March last year when the tech-boom was in full cry.

Friday September 21 saw the busiest day yet, beating the previous record set in April last year, with 235,011 trades.

The FTSE 100 Index endured wild swings throughout the day, plummeting by 337 points at one stage before rallying to close 123.2 points lower.

LSE figures show the Footsie ended September 8% lower than the start of the month, at 4,903.4. That represents a 21% fall since the beginning of January.