It was a mixed day for markets across Europe yesterday with rating agency Moody’s downgrading France from triple A to Aa1 and unrest in the Middle East being the catalyst.

A WARNING that Spain’s credit rating may be cut resulted in a fresh rush of concern about the euro yesterday on the eve of a meeting of EU leaders determined to keep markets calm.

The FTSE 100 Index finished in the red today but that did not prevent it enjoying its best September for 13 years.

Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the Spanish government’s debt, joining two other major credit rating agencies which have taken similar steps out of concern over the country’s public finances.