Europe growth fears sink euro, global stocks

 (Reuters) - Investors pushed global equities and the euro lower on Monday as Dutch political turmoil and disappointing euro zone data revived fears the region's debt crisis could keep much of Europe mired in recession through the year. 

Shares of Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, and its Mexican subsidiary, Walmex, sank on a report of bribery allegations.

 

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte tendered his government's resignation on Monday in a crisis over budget cuts, creating a political vacuum in a country that strongly backed an EU fiscal treaty and lectured Greece on getting its finances in order.

 

The crisis in the Netherlands - traditionally one of the euro zone's most stable members - added to uncertainties after Socialist challenger Francois Hollande led President Nicolas Sarkozy in the first round of French presidential elections.