JANUARY | Markets Shrug Off a Mysterious Viral OutbreakIt began in China, where a new coronavirus sickened hundreds of people at the start of 2020.
That prompted authorities in the world’s most populous country to restrict travel between hard-hit cities.As far as markets were concerned, though, it seemed like business as usual.
Stock indexes in the U.S., Europe and India climbed to records, extending their powerful 2019 run. Analysts projected another year of gains for the stock market, pointing to widespread expectations for the global economy to strengthen and for central banks to hold interest rates at low levels.“I don’t think anyone had a major health crisis or pandemic on their risk scenarios," said Esty Dwek, head of global market.