Key North American and European market indices closed higher yesterday but Australasian markets were mixed, with China's stock exchanges closed for an extended holiday to February 3 due to the spread of the coronavirus.
WHO said yesterday 4,593 cases had been confirmed globally, with 56 outside of China in 14 countries. Inside China there were 106 deaths, 976 severe cases and 6,973 suspected to have the respiratory virus.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) confirmed its markets would open as usual today for the first day of trade in the Year of the Rat.
"As Hong Kong's market operator, HKEX is committed to keeping its markets fully operational and functioning well," it said.
However with the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets closed until next week, HKEX said there would be no Northbound and Southbound Stock Connect trading on Friday.
Among the majors, Glencore (LSE: GLEN) gained 2.8% in London yesterday, Barrick Gold (TSX: ABX) lost 3.6% and BHP (ASX: BHP) was up 0.3% in morning trade.