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Feb 26 (Reuters) - European shares fell for a fifth straight
session on Wednesday, as investors fretted over the growing
impact of a fast-spreading coronavirus that has pushed companies
world-wide to sound the alarm on earnings.
Europe's main equity benchmark STOXX 600 .STOXX fell 0.8%
by 0813 GMT, marking its first five-day losing streak since July
2019.
That followed a grim session for Asia and Wall Street
overnight after U.S. health officials warned Americans should
prepare for possible community spread of the virus as it hit
Spain and dozens of countries from South Korea to Italy.
The past four trading sessions had seen about $3 trillion
wiped off the value of world stocks, with economists cutting
growth forecasts and companies warning of lower earnings due to
the virus.
British spirits maker Diageo DGE.L fell 1% after flagging
an estimated hit to fiscal 2020 profit from coronavirus of up to
200 million pounds ($260 million). Food group Danone DANO.PA also lowered its 2020 forecast
for sales and profit margin, citing an uncertain economic
climate and the coronavirus.