Political gridlock in Italy is unhinging investors.
Investors worry the results of Italy's election could wind up undermining the progress that Italy has made in overhauling its troubled economy.
"It was the worst possible outcome, feared by market participants and European policy-makers alike," said Daiwa Capital Markets European economist Tobias Blattner.
U.S. stocks spiraled downward in a late-day frenzied sell-off Monday. European markets followed their cue and sold off sharply early Tuesday.
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