As U.S. investors returned to the markets Tuesday after a long weekend, they found Asian stock markets dropping on fears that a flu-like virus in China could spread and become a pandemic.
A top Chinese health official confirmed on Monday that the so-called coronavirus is now able to spread via human-to-human contact, similar to how influenza can be "caught" from a handshake or sneeze. The virus has already killed at least six people in central China, where it is believed to have originated, according to local reports. Confirmed cases of the virus, which resembles pneumonia in its symptoms, have jumped to nearly 300, adding a new element of worry for public health officials in Asia as tens of millions of people are set to travel in the coming days to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
That worry translated to a nearly 1.5 percent drop in the Shanghai Composite at Tuesday's close, its biggest decline in weeks. The Nikkei in Japan and Hang Seng in Hong Kong also closed lower. Hong Kong stocks had their worst day in five months, partly due to fears that the coronavirus could jump from the mainland and add a new burden on top of the protests that have crippled the region's economy.
The World Health Organization has convened an emergency meeting, scheduled for Wednesday in Geneva, to determine whether the outbreak constitutes a public-health emergency that would allow the WHO to deploy resources.
With the coronavirus now communicable through person-to-person contact, it resembles the early days of the SARS outbreak, which began with a similar type of virus and ultimately killed nearly 800 people in southern China in 2002 and 2003.
Hackers accessed the personal data of 6.9 million users via the genetic testing company 23andMe.
Stocks fell after the opening bell on Tuesday morning as signs pointed to another losing session.
Bitcoin is once again having a moment. On Monday, the world's largest cryptocurrency soared past $41,000 for the first time in over a year and a half — and marking a 150% rise so far this year.
Tree farmers are raising prices for Christmas trees.
Analysis shows smaller businesses are hiring more people.
Applying for financial aid for college is a long process but there's a new streamlined application for federal student aid. Mark Kantrowitz, student loan expert, joined Cheddar News to explain the FAFSA form and what kind of changes are expected.
With all of the stress surrounding the holiday season with gift-buying and planning family gatherings, it could be a chaotic time for all members of your family, including pets. Cesar Milan and Michael Ehrman, co-founders of Halo Collar, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to keep your pets stress-free for the upcoming holiday season.
Going home for the holidays can be pretty expensive, especially if you're a student. Cheddar News senior reporter Michelle Castillo provided tips on how to save ahead of the holiday season.
Alaska Airlines is buying Hawaiian Airlines, stocks finished at their highest level on Friday and are on the way to concluding 2023 on a positive note as Bitcoin surged. And Spotify is laying off workers, again.
United Airlines has introduced a new self-serve snack bar on its flights allowing economy passengers to help themselves to free snacks instead of relying on a flight attendant to get them.
