What if Mers strikes? Analysts give their take on defensive plays
Medical equipment makers and telcos seen as safer bets; tourism-related stocks said to be most vulnerable
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Singapore
SINGAPORE equity analysts say that it is too early to board up the windows even as the spectre of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrom (Mers) creeps into neighbouring markets. Still, if the virus breaches the island's defences, they recommend sheltering in healthcare and medical equipment stocks while limiting exposure to tourism plays. Mers has afflicted at least 126 people and killed at least 11 of them in South Korea this year. Hong Kong is observing four suspected cases.
The concern for the market is a repeat of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) outbreak that roiled the region in 2003. That epidemic infected 238 people in Singapore and killed 33 of them.
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