EUROPE IS DOWN

It's not a happy Friday.

Stock markets across Europe are down, following US markets which dived after disappointing jobs numbers.

The FTSE 100 just closed down 2.4%, or down 151.18 points at 6,042.92. The index gave up all the gains it made yesterday and is down 2.68% on the week (although it's been a short one due to Monday's Bank Holiday.)

Major markets across the rest of the continent are shouldering similar losses, with the Euro Stoxx 50 down 2.76%.

There are only one risers on the FTSE today - drug-maker Hikma Pharmaceuticals (up 0.3%).

Mining stocks are the biggest fallers - Anglo American is down a big 7.7%, Glencore is down 5.7%, Antofagasta is 5.6% lower, and BHP Billiton is down 5.3%.

Retailers are also down after August sales figures showed the biggest monthly decline in High Street sales since 2008. Next is down 2.8%, Sports Direct is down 0.7%, and Debenhams is off 1.9%.