Stocks fell worldwide yesterday as profit-taking and growing inflation worries overshadowed optimism about an expected strong economic recovery. — Reuters picNEW YORK, Feb 19 — Stocks fell worldwide yesterday as profit-taking and growing inflation worries overshadowed optimism about an expected strong economic recovery as the coronavirus crisis eases, and US stimulus hopes.
Investors also frowned on results from Walmart, which reported a disappointing quarterly loss and announced higher capital spending in the coming year that will pinch profits. Shares fell 6.5 per cent. At the same time, that has stoked fears over a surge in inflation and produced a spike in US Treasury yields to around one-year highs.