Daily summary: China’s markets opened amid coronavirus fears

17:41 3 February 2020
  • China’s stock market opens after an extended Lunar New Year

  • Coronavirus gets worse

  • Pound sterling takes a beating

  • Better data from the US

 

Today China’s financial markets finally opened after a week off due to Chinese New Year celebrations. As many investors feared, Chinese stocks sank abruptly, almost 8% by the end of the day. The panic was inevitable as the global fear of fast-spreading virus was already seen on other stock markets last week. In face of rapid sell-off, the officials intervened in the money market by injecting some additional liquidity. Also, the ability of short-selling had been limited. Nevertheless, the session turned out to be the worst rout since August 2015 when the Chinese equity bubble burst. 

 

As mentioned above, the fears of coronavirus are spreading all around the world as new cases have been discovered outside mainland China including US and Europe. Globally, the death toll increased by 57 reaching 362. As far as the number of infections is concerned, it climbed to 17 488 the last time it was reported. The virus will not only impact the Chinese economy, but also the global economy as a whole. The phenomenon is likely to be especially severe in South-East Asia due to strong economic relations with China. 

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The British pound fell more than 1% amid talks between the U.K. Prime Minister and EU officials. The meeting regarded the future trade deal. Boris Johnson officially stated that Britain will not seek an agreement at all cost and therefore will not accept the current standards. 

Pound sterling took a serious beating today. GBP fell more than 1%. Source: xStation5
 

As far as crucial macroeconomics data is concerned, investors were positively surprised by the US ISM data. The ISM Manufacturing rose to 50.9, exceeding the median projection of 48.5. The reading above the 50 level singal expansion. Having seen the results, markets took the message with optimism. 

 

The upcoming week will demonstrate whether coronavirus will have further impact on global stock markets. On the other hand, the earnings season has not finished yet and investors are looking forward to dive into earnings reports of certain US companies. Furthermore, markets will closely pay attention to the core data from major global economies, for instance NFP report in the US.

This content has been created by XTB S.A. This service is provided by XTB S.A., with its registered office in Warsaw, at Prosta 67, 00-838 Warsaw, Poland, entered in the register of entrepreneurs of the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy) conducted by District Court for the Capital City of Warsaw, XII Commercial Division of the National Court Register under KRS number 0000217580, REGON number 015803782 and Tax Identification Number (NIP) 527-24-43-955, with the fully paid up share capital in the amount of PLN 5.869.181,75. XTB S.A. conducts brokerage activities on the basis of the license granted by Polish Securities and Exchange Commission on 8th November 2005 No. DDM-M-4021-57-1/2005 and is supervised by Polish Supervision Authority.

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