Stocks tumble amid concerns over global economy

HONG KONG (AP) — World stocks fell sharply on Friday amid concerns over the global economy and as investors look ahead to the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week.

Doubts are growing that U.S. policymakers will raise interest rates soon after Fed chief Janet Yellen said Monday that many lingering uncertainties mean it's unclear when the Fed should resume raising rates.

The uncertainty over how a so-called "Brexit" might affect financial markets is driving investors into safer assets, analysts said.

The latest figures for Chinese retail sales, industrial production and fixed asset investment are expected this weekend.

Export data released earlier this week showed further contraction as global and domestic demand remained weak, underscoring the difficulties officials in Beijing face in trying to reverse the slump.