Companies take a hit a coronavirus fears spread
The S&P/NZX 50 Index declined 176.01 points, or 1.5 percent, to 11,261.16. Within the index, 42 stocks fell, 7 gained, and one was unchanged. Turnover was $320.9 million.
Infections around the world surpassed those in mainland China and today New Zealand's Ministry of Health said a person in their 60s was the country's first case of Covid-19. The government said the chances of community outbreak remain low.
Risk aversion rippled through most markets. Global equities fell between 1.5 and 3.5 percent and bond yields also tumbled.
The S&P 500 is now down almost 10% from its mid-Feb high, and on track for its worst week since the global financial crisis. In contrast, the Shanghai Composite index has been recovering and is now within just 2.5 percent of its pre-slump level.
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