Stocks struggle as China virus sparks fear for world economy

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AFP, New York :
Stocks struggled worldwide on Friday with most indices ending sharply lower amid mounting worries the coronavirus outbreak will dent global economic growth.
The Dow slid more than two percent losing more than 600 points in its worst session since August as the three largest US carriers halted all service to China.
Just after markets closed, US authorities declared a public health emergency, and starting Sunday will ban entry into the country of any foreign national who has traveled to China in the past two weeks, while quarantining Americans who have made the trip.
Major European markets slid more than one percent, including London, where equities were weakened by a stronger pound in the final session before Britain was due to leave the European Union.
Asian equity markets also were gripped by virus fears in a volatile end to the week, although Japan’s Nikkei finished higher.
At least 213 people have died and nearly 10,000 people have been infected in China by the novel coronavirus, while fresh cases were found abroad with more than 20 countries now affected.
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