Chinese stocks take a dive on first day

Shanghai (Reuters): Chinese stock and commodity markets fell heavily at the open on Monday - the first trading session after an extended Lunar New Year break. Investors dumped risky assets in response to rising fears about the spread of a new virus across China.

The Shanghai Composite index opened down 8 per cent at its lowest level since February 2019. If the losses are sustained, it would be the biggest daily drop since 2015. The yuan opened at its weakest level this year in onshore trade.

Shanghai traded commodities also plunged, catching up with global drops.