Asia markets struggle again as virus trumps Wall St bounce

Hong Kong, Sept 23 (AFP/APP): Asian investors struggled to match their Wall Street counterparts Wednesday, with markets drifting as spiking infection rates, new containment measures and still no US stimulus fuel concerns about economic recovery. After a global rally since March’s nadir, a gloom has descended on equities this month, with uncertainty leading into November’s presidential election and ongoing China-US tensions adding to the mix. US stocks broke an extended run of losses Tuesday as traders went bargain hunting, while the technology sector was also boosted by the prospect of people being forced to stay at home again. With a record of nearly two million new virus infections last week, leaders are fighting to prevent another explosion of cases that forced economically devastating national lockdowns around the world earlier in the year. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled new steps that will from Thursday see English pubs and other hospitality venues close at 10 pm local time, while he also halted the planned phased return of fans to live sporting events that was due from October 1. “To help contain the virus, office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter,” the government said, despite … Continue reading Asia markets struggle again as virus trumps Wall St bounce