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— Brazil's main stock index has plummeted more than 10 percent in early trading after steep declines in Asia, Europe.
The Ibovespa stock index fell 10.2 percent to 33,303 in just the first half-hour after markets opened Friday morning.
Trading was then halted for 30 minutes because of a "circuit breaker" rule that kicks in when the Ibovespa loses 10 percent.
Global financial turmoil has wiped out two years of stock market gains in Latin America's biggest economy.
Brazil's currency, the real, weakened to 2.3 against the U.S. dollar shortly after trading opened. It closed at 2.2 the day before.
Investors worldwide now fear a widespread recession, and interventions by key central banks have so far failed to bolster confidence.
Stocks fell precipitously in Asia and Europe on Friday as investors panicked after Thursday's 7.3 percent drop on the Dow Jones.
