Shares in the London Stock Exchange have now fallen almost 4% in two days following reports that three potential bidders may fail to materialise and one of its largest shareholders has cut its stake by 33%.

Robert Greifeld, president and chief executive of the Nasdaq Stock Market, today reportedly quashed speculation the US market was set to buy the LSE; The Children's Investment Fund Management disclosed a near 10% stake in Euronext which it wants to merge with Detusche Börse; and Fidelity Investment Services has cut its stake from 4.9% to 3.45% since January 16.