| The coronavirus is sparking enormous concern for both human health and the global economy. On March 3 the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 50 basis points to address the threat, setting the target range for the fed funds rate at 1 percent to 1.25 percent.At a news conference, Fed Chairman Jerome H. Powell hinted at the possibility of further cuts, saying the Fed is “prepared to use our tools and act appropriately, depending on the flow of events.” Leaders of the Group of 7 nations also met Tuesday and noted that they were “ready to act” to stem economic effects of the virus but did not announce more specific measures.
Markets have been volatile. After hitting all-time highs in January, the major averages tumbled more than 10 percent over the last week in February, before roaring back more than 5 percent on Monday. Stocks fluctuated on March 3, rallying on the U.S. interest-rate cut before declining again; at the close the S&P 500 fell 2.81 percent. A significant threshold was crossed today as the 10-year Treasury touched 0.906 percent on intraday trading. The yield on the 10-year treasury note closed down at 1.009 percent.
As of March 2, epidemics in 71 countries had infected more than 92,000 people and led to more than 3,100 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The U.S. reported 100 confirmed cases in 15 states and six deaths. Quarantines, particularly in China, are squeezing the global supply chain as manufacturing and shipping activities shut down. Some analysts suggest U.S. factories that depend on parts from China and Europe could see shutdowns by mid-month. Business and leisure travel and consumer confidence are likely to take a hit. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development this week cut its forecast for global growth in half, to 1.5 percent. |
