Milan Stock Exchange

There was little doubt that traders would panic once the coronavirus epidemic claimed its first victims in Europe, but Monday's nosedive at Athinon Avenue wiped about 4 billion euros off the value of the Greek stock market, with the imported concerns from Italy hitting bank stocks hardest.

The London Stock Exchange on Feb. 26 said it is "highly unlikely" it will be able to meet antitrust conditions set by Brussels for its tie-up with Deutsche Boerse, throwing the merger into doubt.

The announcement by LSE, which also operates the Milan stock exchange, is the latest twist in its longstanding attempt to merge with the German stock exchange operator.