Markets catch the flu

No, this time it is not the bird flu or the flu markets get when US sneezes. The pigs who are normally slaughtered in the markets controlled by bulls and bears are having their revenge. The swine flu's death count in Mexico grew to about 150 people from 100. The stocks of airlines, hotels and other tour related companies suffered losses in the US. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc fell 11 percent, cruise operator Carnival Corp. fell 13.5 percent and Delta Air Lines Inc. dived 14.3 percent. However, pharmaceutical companies see marginal increase. GlaxoSmithKline gained 7.6 percent.

The Dow fell 51.29 points , or 0.6 percent, to 8,025.00. Before the US market opened, stocks in the rest of the markets were also lower.