Concern about the highly contagious Chinese coronavirus is taking a toll on global markets and companies. The pathogen, which has spread from the city of Wuhan to dozens of countries, including the U.S., is a global health emergency, according to the World Health Organization. It has claimed more than 350 lives and infected more than 17,000 people.
Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus and its impact on markets.
What is coronavirus?
According to The Wall Street Journal, the Wuhan virus, named 2019-nCoV, likely came from bats, but not much else is known. Similar to MERS and SARS, the disease is spread between people in close contact via coughing or sneezing, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC says the immediate health risk to the general American public is low.
— Commentary: Coronavirus Is a Warning to the World
One model, built by Cascend Securities, forecasts that as many as 800,000 people could be infected and 200,000 people could die from the virus if those who have caught the disease aren’t quarantined by September.
— Here’s How Fast Coronavirus Could Spread, According to One Model.
What is coronavirus’s impact on the stock market?
Stocks tumbled globally on Monday as the outbreak spread and investors reacted to downbeat news over the weekend. China’s economy and stock market are bearing the brunt.
— Coronavirus Is a ‘Global Health Emergency.’ Stocks Rose Anyway.
— How China’s Economy Is Taking a Hit From Coronavirus
— What Coronavirus Means for Chinese Stocks
— How the Fed and Beijing Can Help the Economy
The reaction in the U.S. has been mixed. Stocks fell initially but rebounded on Tuesday and Wednesday as investors reacted to reports of strong corporate earnings. Worry over the virus dragged on the market for much of Thursday, though shares ended in positive territory. The impact on U.S. markets could still grow.
— Coronavirus and the Lunar New Year Could Spell Trouble for Industrial Stocks
— Coronavirus Could Trigger More Stock Selloffs. Look for a Buying Opportunity, J.P. Morgan Says.
— The Main Reason for the Stock Market’s Decline Isn’t the Coronavirus
— Coronavirus Will Take a Bite Out of Earnings from Nike and Other China-Exposed Retailers
Investors don’t like volatility, but they’ve had to deal with disease-related shocks in the past. History says the impact will be temporary, as long as the outbreak is contained.
— Coronavirus Has Hit the Stock Market. Here’s What History Says Comes Next.
What does coronavirus mean for travel?
While the White House considers banning all U.S.-China flights, United Airlines and American Airline have suspended some flights to mainland China. British Airways said it is canceling all service to the mainland.
— Some U.S. Airlines Suspend Flights to China
Travel and gambling stocks have been hurt as travel is restricted and people cancel vacations for fear of being exposed. The usual flood of Chinese travelers to the casino hub of Macau has become a trickle.
— Carnival, Royal Caribbean Stock Is Lower on Coronavirus Fears
— Travel and Gaming Stocks Are Down
— Casino Stocks Are Dropping as Gamblers Steer Clear of Macau
— China’s Coronavirus May Hit These European Airlines Harder Than Others
— Despite Coronavirus Fears, It’s Time to Buy United
— American Express Stock Is Falling Because of Global Travel Fears
What does coronavirus and the possibility of a vaccine mean for biotech stocks?
Shares of a handful of small and mid-sized biotechs that are working on vaccines for the virus have soared. Analysts say it is unlikely the vaccines under development could make it to market in time to yield revenue from the current outbreak.
— Some Drugmakers Are Racing to Develop a Coronavirus Vaccine. Why Big Pharma Isn’t Rushing In.
What does coronavirus mean for oil prices?
Oil prices recently fell to a three-month low, and U.S. benchmark crude is on track to suffer a loss of more than 12% in January as coronavirus intensifies the impact of seasonal weakness in the market, raising prospects for lower fuel prices.
— Oil Prices Are Slumping. The Market Fears the Worst of Coronavirus Is ‘Yet to Come’
This is a developing topic. Barron’s will continue to update this page as news happens.