HONG KONG (AP): Global stock markets retreated Friday (Feb 7) as France and Germany reported weak factory data and the death toll from a virus outbreak in China rose further. China's tariff cut "boosted sentiment," though "gains were tempered by continued concerns around the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, ” Mizuho Bank said in a report. China confirmed 31,161 cases and 636 deaths as of Friday. More than 310 cases have been confirmed outside mainland China, including two deaths in Hong Kong and the Philippines. There was no indication China altered its cuts in response to the virus outbreak, but the surprise announcement helped to buoy market sentiment.

Source: The Star February 07, 2020 10:41 UTC