Global Stocks

Stocks started the week modestly lower in Asia, following some sizable declines worldwide at the end of last week. Friday's removal of chief White House strategist Steve Bannon, while not a surprise to markets, turned the spotlight back on concerns about the Trump administration's ability to advance its agenda.

Blue-chip stocks in the U.K. dropped Friday, wrapping up the week with a fall in travel-related stocks after terrorists launched attacks in Spain. Equities across Europe SXXP, -0.71% IBEX, -0.56% slumped after at least 14 people were killed Thursday when a van mowed down pedestrians on Barcelona's popular Las Ramblas thoroughfare.

U.S. stock benchmarks closed firmly lower on Friday to register another unsightly week of losses as low volumes and skittish investors left Wall Street especially vulnerable to pullbacks.