Global stock markets fall with FTSE 100 worst-hit

Global stocks have fallen sharply with the UK's FTSE 100 suffering its worst day in over three-and-a-half years.

The blue-chip index lost over 3% in its worst day since January 2016. US and European stock markets also dropped.

The falls came after poor US jobs and manufacturing figures and a World Trade Organization decision paving the way for $7.5bn in US tariffs on EU goods.

Analysts said these factors had sparked fears over the strength of the global economy.

In Europe, Germany's main index, the Dax, closed 2.8% lower, while France's Cac 40 lost over 3%.

In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended trading 1.9% lower, marking the second day in a row it has lost more than 1%.

The S&P 500 fell 1.8% while the Nasdaq, which is largely made up of technology firms, lost 1.6%.

On Tuesday, one of the most closely-watched US manufacturing figures, the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) index of factory activity, dropped to its lowest level since June 2009.

Fresh figures on Wednesday showing a slowdown in jobs growth in the private sector in September accelerated concerns over the US economy.

"Given that most other areas in the world aren't covering themselves in economic glory, the fact that the US is having a volatile time makes people a little worried," said Ben Kumar, an analyst at Seven Investment Management.

FTSE 100 falls 3.2%

Robert Pavlik, chief investment strategist manager at SlateStone Wealth, said the slowdown in China was also driving investors to sell shares.

"It's all adding up to the same thing essentially: worries that the global economy is slowing and giving investors reason to pause and take profits," he said.

Dow Jones drops

But Mr Kumar said it was too early to be concerned.

"It's hard to tell anything from a one day perspective.

"People have overreacted which does tend to happen. We're in this world where everyone freaks out first and asks questions later.

"It's just one of those days where lots of things go wrong at the same time."