NatWest, M&G: UK bank and asset manager shares slide as Middle East tensions rattle financials

NatWest, M&G and Standard Chartered led early FTSE 100 losses as investors shed exposure to rate-sensitive financial stocks Shares in some of Britain's largest banks and asset managers fell sharply in early trading on Thursday, extending a turbulent month for UK financial stocks as geopolitical anxiety, shifting interest rate expectations and weakening equity markets combined to drive investors away from the sector. NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG), the high street lender, M&G PLC (LSE:MNG), the FTSE 100 asset manager, and Standard Chartered PLC (LSE:STAN), the emerging markets-focused bank, were among the heaviest fallers, each dropping between 5% and 6% in the first hour.