Markets crash amid COVID-19 fears

Concerns about the spread of the

novel coronavirus pandemic saw global markets in freefall, with New York's Dow Jones industrial average posting its biggest loss since 1987, closing down almost 10 per cent to 21,200.62.

Canada's main stock index plunged 1,761.64 points, or 12.34 per cent, to 12,508.45, with every sector in the red.

European stock markets have had one of their worst days in history, with investors worried about a US travel ban that covers much of Europe.