INVESTORS are rushing to sell equities in the aftermath of the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

The fourth largest investment bank in America filed for bankruptcy protection at the start of the week and stock markets around the world have continued to fall as a result.

Justin Oliver (pictured), senior investment manager at Collins Stewart in Guernsey, said it would take a few days until the full repercussions of its demise became clear.

‘However, one thing is certain – the face of Wall Street has been indelibly changed,’ he said. ‘Unsurprisingly, yesterday’s falls in global equity markets reflect this uncertainty and investors are again adopting a “sell first, ask questions later” mentality.

‘For the long-term investor, we believe this does provide an opportunity, but similarly prudence would dictate holding back from making any hasty investment decisions until conditions have stabilised and markets have calmed.’