* Graphic: 2020 asset performance http://tmsnrt.rs/2yaDPgn
* Graphic: World FX rates in 2020 http://tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh
(Updates prices)
By Rodrigo Campos
NEW YORK, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Shares fell and the dollar
traded near two-month highs on Wednesday as data reaffirmed
lingering concerns that new restrictions to counter coronavirus
infections will hurt the economic recovery.
The speed of recovery in U.S. business activity slowed down
in September, with gains at factories more than offset by a
retreat at services industries, suggesting a loss of momentum in
the world's largest economy as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers.
September surveys of private sector activity also painted a
gloomy picture in Europe, with rising COVID-19 infections
leading to a downturn in services industries. U.S. stocks had opened higher, tracking Europe, but turned
negative after the morning data.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI fell 239.51 points,
or 0.88%, to 27,048.67, the S&P 500 .SPX lost 38.66 points, or
1.17%, to 3,276.91 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC dropped
190.93 points, or 1.74%, to 10,772.71.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index .STOXX rose 0.55% and
MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe .MIWD00000PUS shed
0.72%.
Emerging market stocks lost 0.49%. MSCI's broadest index of
Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS closed 0.02%
lower, while Japan's Nikkei .N225 lost 0.06%.
In foreign exchange markets, the standout mover was the
dollar, which touched its highest level since late July against
a basket of six major currencies =USD .
"At present, the market is once again dominated by concerns
about a second wave of infections, above all in Europe, meaning
that the dollar is in demand again," Commerzbank analysts wrote
in a morning note.
The dollar index =USD rose 0.281%, with the euro EUR=
down 0.24% to $1.1678.
The Japanese yen weakened 0.44% versus the greenback at
105.37 per dollar, while Sterling GBP= was last trading at
$1.2739, up 0.06% on the day.
Oil edged up supported by a report that U.S. fuel
inventories fell, although rising crude supply and concern of
stalling demand capped gains.
"Oil prices are still faring comparatively well today given
all the headwinds they are facing – a firm U.S. dollar, concerns
about demand, rising supply," said Carsten Fritsch of
Commerzbank.
U.S. crude CLc1 recently rose 0.35% to $39.94 per barrel
and Brent LCOc1 was at $41.84, up 0.29% on the day.
Benchmark 10-year notes US10YT=RR last fell 5/32 in price
to yield 0.679%, from 0.664% late on Tuesday.
Spot gold XAU= dropped 2.0% to $1,861.92 an ounce. Silver
XAG= fell 6.40% to $22.85.
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Emerging markets http://tmsnrt.rs/2ihRugV
Global assets http://tmsnrt.rs/2jvdmXl
Global currencies vs. dollar http://tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh
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