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Jan 27 (Reuters) - European shares dropped sharply in early
trading on Monday as growing concerns over the potential
economic damage from a fast-spreading coronavirus sapped demand
for riskier assets.
Death toll from the outbreak in China rose to 81 and the
virus spread to more than 10 countries including France, Japan
and the United States. Some health experts questioned whether
China can contain the epidemic. The pan-European STOXX 600 .STOXX declined 1.5% by 0808
GMT after hitting a record high in the previous session.
Shares of mining firms .SXPP slumped 3.1%, dragged down by
their exposure to China, and fell the most among all the major
European subsectors that were trading in the red.
France's CAC .FCHI lagged regional bourses as luxury goods
makers such as LVMH LVMH.PA , Hermes HRMS.PA and Gucci owner
Kering PRTP.PA , which are heavily reliant on Chinese demand,
fell between 2% and 3%.