Market volatility struck once again, as the FTSE 100 having commenced the trading session in a more optimistic fashion closed down, floating just above the 5,000 mark.

The blue chip index dropped 157.76 points down to 5,007.16, as investors were once again left unnerved by global events.

Shares in Essar Energy (ESSR.L) tumbled as investors in the oil and gas sector took fright, ensuring the stock dropped 12.6 per cent, settling at 262.1 pence at market close.

The second worst performer on the list was from the Financials sector, though as Barclays (BARC.L) slid yet again, settling at 163.7 pence, a whole 8.7 per cent down on this morning’s opening price.

The third worst on the list was also from the mining sector, this time in the form of copper miner Kazakhmys (KAZ.L) which dipped 7.7 per cent to 918 pence.

Standard Chartered (STAN.L) and Prudential (PRU.L) completed the list of five biggest fallers dropping 7.5 per cent to 1,371.5p and 7.4 per cent to 567p, respectively.

Standard Life (SL.L) was the biggest riser at the close of trading as the insurer saw share price rise by 5.7 per cent to 184.1p.

The company had earlier been lifted by bullish half-year results, reporting a 44 per cent year-on-year rise.

Randgold Resources (RRS.L) rose by 4.3 per cent to 6,385p, while luxury goods retailer Burberry (BRBY.L) increased by 3.3 per cent to 1,302p.

Listed hedge fund Man Group (EMG.L) saw its share price rise by 3.2 per cent to 187.2p, while engineer Weir Group (WEIR.L) added 1.9 per cent to its share price, closing at 1,735p.

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