UPDATE 2-London stocks sink on grim global growth forecast, fears of second virus wave

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* IMF cuts 2020 global output forecast
* Builder Crest Nicholson tumbles on bleak forecast
* Petrofac posts worst day in more than two months
* Premier Foods , Naked Wines gain on upbeat results
* FTSE 100 down 3.1%, FTSE 250 off 2.8%

(Updates to close)
June 24 (Reuters) - London stocks marked their worst session
in two weeks on Wednesday as a spike in novel coronavirus cases
across the globe compounded fears of a second wave of the
pandemic, while builder Crest Nicholson tumbled after issuing a
grim forecast.
The homebuilder CRST.L slumped 18.2% for its biggest
one-day drop in three months after forecasting a 60% to 70%
slide in its annual adjusted pretax profit due to
coronavirus-led disruptions. As Wall Street tumbled, broad-based losses saw the blue-chip
FTSE 100 .FTSE close down 3.1% and the domestically focused
FTSE 250 .FTMC drop 2.8% with financial, energy, consumer
stocks among the biggest drags. .N
The International Monetary Fund slashed its 2020 global
output forecasts further on Wednesday saying the coronavirus
pandemic is causing wider and deeper damage to economic activity
than first thought. MKTS/GLOB
In Britain, a day after lockdown restrictions were further
relaxed, top medics warned that a second wave of COVID-19 was a
real risk. AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould said that while the
economic impact of potential measures to contain local flare-ups
would be less than shutting down an entire economy, "a recovery
of this nature is a messier story for investors to digest and
this could act as a drag on equities".
Optimism around a rebound in economic activity and a raft of
global stimulus helped the FTSE 100 rally about 25% since
crashing to an eight-year low in March, but the pace of gains
has slowed recently.
Oilfield services provider Petrofac Ltd PFC.L slid after
taking its first-half trading was hit by the pandemic.
But Naked Wines WINEW.L and Mr Kipling cakes maker Premier
Foods Plc PFD.L shot up as they posted upbeat results due to a
boost in demand during the lockdown. <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Global equities since Brexit vote https://tmsnrt.rs/3dqEDBD
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