Market malaise over Wuhan outbreak to persist

WHILE the Chinese New Year (CNY) holidays make for another shortened week of trading for certain Asian markets including the Singapore bourse, uncertainty and worry are likely to dominate the general mood in the market.

Top on investors' minds is fears of contagion - especially during the travel-heavy festive period - of the Wuhan coronavirus, which has killed 56 people in China and infected more than 2,000 individuals. The Sars-like virus has hit 13 countries including Singapore, which has four confirmed cases so far.

These developments have dented recent equity market rallies supported by a recovering global economy, a trade deal resolution and accommodative central-bank policies.