Coronavirus asian stocks extend global markets rout
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Coronavirus: Asian Stocks Extend Global Markets Rout
Asian stocks plummeted on Monday, extending the global market rout sparked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus, as investors scrambled to sell assets and reduce their exposure to the virus's impact on the economy.
Key Points:
- Asian stocks fell sharply: The MSCI Asia-Pacific Index dropped 3.4%, led by declines in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan.
- Global markets in turmoil: The rout in Asian markets followed a brutal day on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 Index tumbled 3.4% to its lowest level since October 2019.
- Coronavirus cases surge: The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus has surpassed 80,000, with the death toll rising to over 2,700.
- Economic concerns mount: The virus's impact on global trade, supply chains, and economic growth is increasingly worrying investors.
- Oil prices plummet: Oil prices fell sharply, with Brent crude dropping 4.5% to its lowest level since January 2020.
- Safe-haven assets rise: Gold and the Japanese yen, considered safe-haven assets, rose as investors sought shelter from the market volatility.
Market Reaction:
- The Nikkei 225 Index in Japan fell 3.2%
- The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong dropped 3.5%
- The Kospi Index in South Korea fell 3.1%
- The Shanghai Composite Index in China fell 2.5%
Investor Sentiment:
- Investors are increasingly concerned about the virus's impact on the global economy, leading to a rush to sell assets and reduce risk.
- The market rout is also being fueled by concerns about the effectiveness of containment measures and the potential for further spread of the virus.
Conclusion:
The rapid spread of the coronavirus has sent global markets into a tailspin, with Asian stocks leading the decline. As the virus continues to spread, investors are likely to remain cautious, leading to further market volatility and potential losses.