The director general of the Confederation of British Industry, Digby Jones, has played down fears of a world recession.
He said: “It is far too early to say that the attacks will have significant long-term effects on the world economy.
“Clearly there will be short-term disruption to financial markets and to commerce within the US, with normal business hampered by travel restrictions. It is also true that business and consumer confidence were already fragile. If these were to worsen then the downside risks would increase.
“Where this leads will depend on how soon financial and commodity markets return to normal, as well as the reaction of policymakers. But it is premature to say that the attacks in themselves will necessarily lead to a significant further weakening of the world economy.”
