stocks

Mexico stocks fall and then are halted after earthquake shakes buildings in Mexico City

Key Points
  • The U.S. Geological Survey said a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Southern Mexico.
  • This earthquake comes less than two weeks after Mexico suffered a massive 8.2 magnitude quake. At least 32 people were killed following the Sept. 8 earthquake.
Strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake felt in Mexico City
VIDEO1:5701:57
Strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake felt in Mexico City

Mexican stocks fell Tuesday following reports of a strong earthquake that shook buildings in Mexico City.

The Mexico IPC fell as news of the quake hit, then recovered before shares were halted for trading.

Mexico IPC, Intraday

Source: CNBC

The iShares MSCI Mexico Capped exchange-traded fund (EWW), a fund that trades in the U.S. so it continued to change hands, closed 0.5 percent lower. It was off session lows, however.

Mexico's Bolsa stock exchange halted trading, according to its official Twitter account.

TWEET: Debido al sismo, #LaBolsa suspende la sesión de remates para salvaguardar la seguridad del personal que labora en las instalaciones

The tweet reads: "Due to the earthquake, #LaBolsa has suspended the trading session for the safety of the personnel."

Shares of Prologis Property Mexico, a real estate investment trust, were the worst performers in the ETF, trading 3.8 percent lower before they were halted. Telesites and TV Azteca, two telecom companies, also took a hit, trading 3.4 percent and 1.9 percent lower, respectively.

The U.S. Geological Survey said a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Southern Mexico. This earthquake comes less than two weeks after Mexico suffered a massive 8.2 magnitude quake. At least 32 people were killed following the Sept. 8 earthquake.

The Mexican peso also fell against the dollar following the news. It traded at 17.81, down 0.3 percent, versus the U.S. currency.

WATCH: Major earthquake hits Southern Mexico

Major earthquake hits Southern Mexico
VIDEO0:3100:31
Major earthquake hits Southern Mexico