European markets suffer

Blue-chip stocks endured a fourth day of losses today despite central banks across the world pumping in US$180bn (€124bn) in a bid to restore shattered confidence.

London's FTSE 100 Index was up almost 2% at one stage after the move by six central banks - including the Bank of England - as well as confirmation of Lloyds TSB's £12.2bn (€15.4bn) takeover of troubled HBOS.