Renewed virus concerns spook STI
Index extends early losses to finish 38.83 points or 1.2% lower at 3,142.20; all but one of its 30 components close in the red
SINGAPORE equities resumed their slide on Monday as sentiment worsened due to a spike in cases of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) in South Korea as well as signs the virus has established a foothold in Italy after a cluster emerged there.
Vishnu Varathan, Mizuho Bank's head of economics and strategy for the Asia and Oceania treasury, noted that fears of secondary infections growing rapidly outside China have "come home to roost".
This, he added, has resulted in risk assets taking a hit as market participants rush for safe-havens such as gold and US government bonds.
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
TRENDING NOW
Middle East-linked energy supply shocks put Asean Power Grid back in focus
Strengthening Asean’s economic resilience through RCEP’s 2027 review
How China’s young workers are securing their future even as AI disrupts job market, triggers pay cuts
US-China rivalry and the Kindleberger Trap: Why inaction – not escalation – is the biggest risk