The European primary equity market shuddered to a halt this week. It had been slowing down since mid-2000, but a wretched week for the secondary markets ensured that it is has become almost impossible to persuade funds to invest in equity. The FTSE 100 index in London, for example, fell below 6,000 points for the first time since April 2000, and finished on Tuesday at 5,972, its lowest close since October 1999. The Neuer Markt in Frankfurt also had a torrid week, with the Nemax 50 index reaching record lows, at 1,995 points yesterday (Thursday).
February 23, 2001