The New York Stock Exchange finished in the red on Friday, posting its biggest daily drop in months, amid concerns over the detection of a new variant of the coronavirus in South Africa, potentially resistant to vaccines.
During the session, the sectors most exposed to the pandemic were the most affected by the return of risk aversion.
The Dow Jones index fell 2.53%, or 905.04 points, to 34,899.34 points.
The larger S&P 500 lost 106.74 points, or 2.27%, to 4,594.72 points.
The Nasdaq Composite fell for its part by 353.57 points (2.23%) to 15,491.66 points.
Across the world, authorities reacted with concern on Friday after the discovery of a new variant of the coronavirus in South Africa, pushing the European Union and Great Britain in particular to strengthen border controls, while the scientific community is investigating whether this variant is resistant to vaccines.
The values linked to tourism and air transport were particularly affected. Cruise operators Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line plunged more than 10%, while shares of United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines also fell.
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