Gm Settlement Hits Vw Stock

Volkswagen stock fell nearly 5 percent Monday on fears that the German automaker may be forced to pay billions of dollars to General Motors Corp. for alleged industrial espionage.

Analysts said share prices may continue to drop as long as the threat of damages remain, with the market speculating that damages could range from several hundred million dollars to $5 billion.

So far, the falling share prices have accounted for about $4.5 billion worth of Volkswagen’s value, said Brian Wilkinson, German stock analyst. VW shares ended trading Monday down $19.67, at $391.