GLOBAL MARKETS -Virus, stimulus angst hit world stocks as safe U.S. dollar shines

Global shares dropped on Thursday as investors shied from risk and sought safe-havens such as the U.S. dollar on fears that a resurgence in coronavirus cases and a lack of more U.S. fiscal stimulus would hobble the world economy. An unexpected rise in U.S. weekly jobless claims figures added to worries that the U.S. economy may sputter if government does not act soon to shore up growth, especially in the face of a spike in COVID-19 cases in Europe. The run of negative news dragged on European shares, which were on course for their worst day in 3-1/2 weeks.