US crisis: Casualty figures released

It is believed that just under 5, 000 people have been killed, although only 94 bodies have been found so far.

Dow Jones and Nasdaq exchanges were suspended all day. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are unlikely to re-open until Monday at the earliest. A spokesman for NYSE said the exchange will not re-open until it was confident its systems can cope.

Markets in Europe remained quiet and subdued although insurance and airline stocks have suffered.

A City source told silicon.com that markets are still confused and are waiting for a lead from US markets. Opinion remains divided to whether government action will increase market confidence or dampen it further.

A report on consumer confidence published today showed US consumer confidence is at its lowest level since 1990. The research was carried out before the plane crashes in New York and Washington.

A spokesman for the FBI said the secure website the agency set up to collect information about the attacks had received 22,700 emails. The agency says it is investigating 50 people believed to be involved in the incident.

The European Union has proposed a three minute silence to remember the dead be held at 11.00am Friday. The London Stock Exchange and law courts in England and Wales will observe the silence.

Friday will be a day of prayer and remembrance in the US.