U.S. stocks post worst 10-day start to a year in history

``U.S. stocks closed sharply lower Friday, locking in the worst 10-day start to a calendar year ever, as oil prices plunged and investors worried about slowing growth in the U.S.'' -- See also Wall St. hemorrhages as oil tumbles and China fears deepen (they are now using the word "contagion" from the energy sector).