ASX 200 crashes 7% on coronavirus panic

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX:XJO) has crashed another 5% on the coronavirus panic, on more world lockdowns and closures.

| More on:
a woman

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has crashed another 7% at the time of writing as investors continue to rapidly sell off shares.

Investors are panicking about what this coronavirus outbreak means for countries and economies.

The entire ASX 200 seems to be down as investors seem to be exiting at whatever price they can get.

Some of the worst falls belong to:

The Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price is down 16%.

The Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (ASX: URW) share price is down 15%.

The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price is down 13%.

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is down 11%.

These numbers may have changed by the time you read this, but that's what they are at the time of writing.

Countries around the world are closing schools and universities. Lockdowns are expanding, events are getting cancelled and so on. The Australian Formula 1 is the latest casualty in the list of sporting events that have been cancelled.

Investors will be picking through the carnage to see if there are any opportunities. That's what I'm trying to do. 

Who knows what will have happened by the end of the day? At the start of the day a number of brokers were struggling to process orders, though this appears to coming back up and running.  

Overnight the S&P 500 (INX) dropped by 9.5%, marking it one of the worst days ever in US share market history.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Challenger Limited, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, and Sydney Airport Holdings Limited. 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 young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 50% to 65%

Big things could be coming for buyers of these shares according to analysts.

Read more »

Higher interest rates written on a yellow sign.
Broker Notes

How will interest rate hikes impact the big four ASX banks like CBA shares?

If the RBA hikes interest rates in 2026, what will that mean for ANZ, Westpac, NAB, and CBA shares?

Read more »

Three trophies in declining sizes with a red curtain backdrop
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a happy end to the trading week!

Read more »

A woman in hammock with headphones on enjoying life which symbolises passive income.
Share Market News

Goodman Group declares 15c unfranked interim distribution for H1 FY26

Goodman Group has declared a 15 cent unfranked interim distribution for the period ending 31 December 2025.

Read more »

A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
Broker Notes

Why Morgans just put buy ratings on these ASX stocks

The broker thinks these stocks could rise 17% to 68%.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Broker Notes

How much upside does Macquarie tip for REA Group shares?

Is the broker bullish, bearish, or something in between?

Read more »

A female broker in a red jacket whispers in the ear of a man who has a surprised look on his face as she explains which two ASX 200 shares should do well in today's volatile climate
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.
Broker Notes

5 ASX shares to buy now: experts

ASX 200 shares are having a ripper day on Friday, as we reveal 5 stocks with buy ratings from the…

Read more »