The relief rally seen on markets following moves to re-energise the US economy was replaced by fresh worries over slowing Chinese growth today.
The FTSE 100 Index closed at its highest level for nearly six months on Friday after a multi-billion dollar stimulus package from the US Federal Reserve sent stocks soaring.
But the top flight was down 11.5 points at 5904.3 today as mining stocks retreated by as much as 2% on the fears over China.
Evraz was the biggest faller, off 6.15p to 287.55p, while Eurasian Natural Resources dipped 3.45p to 359.75p and Rio Tinto fell 29.75p to 3251.75p. Other heavyweight fallers included mobile phone giant Vodafone after a decline of 1.5p to 174.3p.
Reckitt Benckiser shares were 1% higher, up 47.5p to 3619.5p, after it announced that Liz Doherty will be stepping down as chief financial officer, to be replaced by Smith & Nephew's Adrian Hennah.
Shares in JJB Sports fell by a further 21%, off 0.06p to 0.31p, as any hopes of a rescue deal for shareholders faded with speculation that Sports Direct International will take on its best stores in a pre-pack administration, raising doubts over the future of around 2,000 staff.
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