Week Ahead: Safe Havens Supported by Persistent Coronavirus Concerns

with the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak now surpassing 360 and over 17,000 confirmed cases reported in China.

Beyond the expected bouts of volatility and selloff from risk assets over the near-term, investors will also be looking for confirmation from the hard economic data pertaining to the impact from the ongoing outbreak. Until the virus’ spread shows signs of stabilizing, such a risk-averse environment should ensure that safe haven assets remain supported in the interim, with Gold carving a path towards the psychological $1600 level.

US economic data may aid Dollar recovery

The Dollar index is attempting to bounce back from sub-97.2 levels after the negative surprise in the MNI Chicago PMI which fell to a 4-year low. Investors will be eyeing key economic indicators out of the US this week in order to ascertain whether another run towards the 98.0 psychological level is warranted for the Dollar index. Look out for January’s ISM Manufacturing Index (due Monday, Feb 3) and also the non-farm payrolls (due Friday, Feb 7); better-than-expected readings there should serve as a platform for more Greenback gains.

Disney’s earnings may be dampened by coronavirus woes

The US earnings season will roll along, with Disney set to report its latest quarterly results on Tuesday. With the entertainment giant’s shares having fallen by nearly 10 percent since its record high on November 26, Disney may struggle to emulate such heights again in the near-term.

Investors will be aware of the downside risks posed by the coronavirus outbreak, which is expected to hit Disney’s earnings in China for the current quarter. Shanghai Disneyland has been closed temporarily and many movie theatres across the country have been shut down amid efforts to contain the virus’ spread. If investors can look past the coronavirus’ potential impact on Disney’s earnings, and focus on the company’s other initiatives, such as its streaming services, that could mitigate the stock’s downside over the near-term.

Open your FXTM account today

---

Disclaimer: The content in this article comprises personal opinions and should not be construed as containing personal and/or other investment advice and/or an offer of and/or solicitation for any transactions in financial instruments and/or a guarantee and/or prediction of future performance. ForexTime (FXTM), its affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness, of any information or data made available and assume no liability as to any loss arising from any investment based on the same