Coronavirus spreads across Europe and drag down the markets
Edito The week was marked by the rapid rise of the coronavirus spread outside Asia. While the peak for new cases seems to have been reached in China, it is the turn for Europe to suffer the arrival of the epidemic, starting with Italy, which counts at least 650 cases throughout its territory. Beyond its potential impact on the economic outlook, markets have reacted, a widespread and sharp decline in the main indices having materialized, the VIX having spiked to highest level since 2011, at 46%. Central banks could then start talking about more accommodating policies, as early as next week, in order to stabilize markets.