Stock markets around the world eased back Friday in light pre-holiday trading and amid renewed uncertainty over the restive Spanish region of Catalonia. Bitcoin endured another big retreat and means the volatile crypto-currency has lost a quarter of its value in just 24 hours. CATALONIA: Snap elections in Catalonia saw parties that are pushing for the region's independence from Spain claim a majority of seats in the new parliament. BITCOIN: A bitcoin sell-off that began at the beginning of the week is gaining momentum. Shortly before U.S. markets opened Friday, bitcoin was trading at $13,659.85, according to the tracking site CoinDesk.

Source: ABC News December 22, 2017 06:14 UTC