The index was down 0.6% at 9am this morning, as another weak economic data from China fuelled concerns about the country’s economy. Fears for demand weighed on commodity stocks.

Among stocks, sunbelt plant hire firm Ashtead dropped 5.7%, despite posting record sales in its latest quarter, because it downgraded its growth guidance in the UK.

JPMorgan lowered its price target on supermarket chain Tesco by 20p to 250p, which sent the share down 2.7%.

Things to read today:

Global economic recovery ‘losing momentum’ as higher rates kick in (Financial Times)

China Slowdown Means It May Never Overtake US Economy, Forecast Shows (Bloomberg)