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European Economic Worries Push Stocks Down; Gold Up

   VOA News 14 May 2010

   Continuing  concerns  about European economies sent gold prices up and
   pushed  stock  and  oil  prices  down  sharply  on  Friday.  The euro
   currency also dropped sharply. Â
   Debt problems in Greece and other nations have prompted governments to
   slash spending, which could slow economic growth.
   Worried  investors  sold euros and sought the perceived safety of gold
   investments.   The precious metal rose to a new record high of nearly
   $1,250 before declining. Â
   Oil  prices  fell  as  traders  calculated that slower economic growth
   would cut energy demand.
   Those same concerns pushed the major French stock index down more than
   four percent and slashed Spanish stocks more than six percent.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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