Reckitt Benckiser – the company behind Cillit Bang and Dettol led the FTSE 100 index downwards today as it closed 46.6 points down at 5,963 points.

The company announced the surprise departure of its chief executive Bart Becht stepping down after 16 years with the business.

As a result, the company’s shares slid 7.5 per cent, settling at 3,115 pence – by far the worst performing stock on London’s blue chip index.

Concerns that China may opt for another rise in interest rates to combat inflation sent a shockwave through the wider market, with Antofagasta and Kazakhmys hardest hit.

Antofagasta dropped 3.6 per cent at 1,355 pence, while Kazakhmys shed 2.7 per cent, settling at 1,371 pence. At the other end of the table, gains were negligible with three stocks rising 1.5 per cent.

Rolls Royce group, which has confirmed a series of large commercial aerospace engine orders over the past few weeks was up to 633.5 pence while insurance group Resolution rose to 308 pence.

Completing the three companies rising 1.5 per cent, G4S ended the day on 272.5 pence per share.