Stocks and oil tumble as recession fears mount

LONDON: World stock markets and oil prices hit the skids on Wednesday as the persistent palpitations about rising interest rates and recessions struck again, while the Japanese yen hit a fresh 24-year low against a seemingly unstoppable U.S. dollar.

Enthusiasm that had given Wall Street its best day in a month on Tuesday was suddenly gone as Europe suffered a 1.5% morning drop and Brent crude prices plunged 4% following what had also been a downbeat Asian session.