Billions wiped out again, ASX 200 plunges over 7%

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX:XJO) plunged over 7% today, marking another of the worst days in its history again.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

It was another terrible day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) due to the coronavirus. It fell over 7% after more negative news.

a woman

US bans European travellers

United States President Donald Trump has banned all European travellers for at least 30 days.

The move is meant to protect the US from getting any more imported cases, though US citizens are free to return from Europe.

Initially, Trump said that trade and cargo would also be banned from Europe, though he then clarified later that trade will in no way be affected.

Various travel businesses took a large tumble after the news. The Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price fell almost 20%. The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price dropped 9.9%. The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price went down 18.2%. The Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price fell 3.8%. The Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) share price dropped 9.6%.

Australia announces stimulus package

Various Australian individuals and businesses will be entitled to financial support due to the coronavirus.

Many Australians will receive a $750 payment, small and medium businesses will get support for employees and a larger number of businesses will get incentives to invest in plant and equipment assets.

Despite these measures, various Australian shares focused on the domestic economy dropped. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price declined by 7.9%, the Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price fell 6.5%, the JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) share price went down 8.2% and even the Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) share price dropped 1.25%.

Rest of the share market drops

There were only two shares that went up in the ASX 200 today. The Cimic Group Ltd (ASX: CIM) share price rose 2.2% and the Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) share price increased by 1.25%.

The rest of the ASX was a sea of red. Two of the other worst share price falls belonged to Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL), they dropped 20% and 15.8% respectively.

Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited, Dicker Data Limited, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, Pro Medicus Ltd., and Sydney Airport Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Webjet Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A man wearing a red jacket and mountain hiking clothes stands at the top of a mountain peak and looks out over countless mountain ranges.
Opinions

2 incredible ASX shares to buy in April

I rate these potential investments as exciting buys…

Read more »

Two people lazing in deck chairs on a beautiful sandy beach throw their hands up in the air.
Retirement

Why Soul Patts shares are a retiree's dream

This could be one of the best picks for retirees. Here’s why.

Read more »

Different Australian dollar notes in the palm of two hands, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

An ASX dividend stalwart every Australian should consider buying

This business has a great track dividend record. I think it’s a strong buy…

Read more »

Happy shareholders clap and smile as they listen to a company earnings report.
Share Market News

Magellan Financial Group shares in focus after $20m share plan hits target

Magellan Financial Group raised $20 million through its oversubscribed share purchase plan, with new shares set to begin trading in…

Read more »

An excited man stretches his arms out above his head as he reaches a mountain peak.
Share Market News

West African Resources: 2026 production guidance forecasts record gold output

West African Resources guides for record 2026 gold production and considers dividends or buybacks as free cash flow rises.

Read more »

Man with virtual white circles on his eye and AI written on top, symbolising artificial intelligence.
Share Market News

Bullish on artificial intelligence? Here are 3 ASX shares I'd buy

These ASX stocks offer exposure to the infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence growth.

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city, sitting back and relaxed, confident in his ASX share investments for the long term.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Endeavour, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares

The team at Morgans has been running the rule over these shares recently.

Read more »

Three business people stand on platforms in the desert and look out through telescopes.
Opinions

2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

I think these businesses have a great future…

Read more »