Stock markets drop as U.S. virus response brings about investors skepticism

Asian markets and Wall Street futures fell on Wednesday after details of Washington’s stimulus package made to combat the impact of the virus raised skepticism among investors.

Wall Street futures fell by 2.2% while in Asia, the MSCI’s broadest index outside of Japan dipped down 0.29%. Australian shares fell by 2.02% with Japan’s Nikkei slipping down by 1.28%. Shares in China declined 0.18% on Wednesday after an uptick of infected cases were reported.

Earlier in March, U.S. President Donald Trump pledged that he would be taking “major steps” in order to soften the impact of the highly contagious virus on the economy. News of Federal Reserve tax cuts lifted market sentiment slightly. However, a lack of any significant announcements left some investors unconvinced.  

Many had expected a second Fed rate cut for March after market participants were left surprised by a 50 basis point rate cut last week.