Stocks fell and bond prices rose sharply on Wall Street Friday amid signs that economic fallout from the viral outbreak that originated in China is hurting U.S. companies. The yield on the 30-year Treasury reached a record low as investors sought the safety of U.S. government bonds. New data showing manufacturing and business activity suddenly slowed this month stoked investors' anxiety over the outbreak's impact on company profits. The economic data and virus outbreak news led investors to seek the safety of U.S. government bonds, pulling yields sharply lower. Gold rose $28.00 to $1,644.60 per ounce, silver rose 22 cents to $18.52 per ounce and copper rose 2 cents to $2.62 per pound.

Source: The Star February 21, 2020 14:45 UTC