The FTSE 100 appears set to close down more than 1% for the third consecutive day, as gilt yields continue to push ever-higher.
After sharp falls on Wednesday and Thursday, London's top flight has lost more than 250 points in the space of just three days. That puts the index at its lowest mark since August.
Global political uncertainty and fears of "higher-for-longer" interest rates have pushed the price of gilts down, sending yields up to the highest levels in decades.
Meanwhile, UK retail sales fell by much more than expected, while public borrowing declined year-on-year for the first time since September 2022.
Oil supermajor Shell, meanwhile, has cut a number of contractors as it continues its "ruthless" focus on profits.
