Australia Market falls on worries over virus impact

The Australian share market finished session lower on down on Thursday, 30 January 2020, , as lingering worries about the spread of the new coronavirus dented market sentiment. At closing bell, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index dropped 23.09 points, or 0.33%, to 7,008.43, while the broader All Ordinaries sank 27.23 points, or 0.38%, to 7,108.64.

Risk sentiments undermined amid mounting evidence that the coronavirus epidemic is disrupting the world's second-largest economy. Investors continue to watch for developments on the ongoing coronavirus outbreak that has already taken more than 170 lives and infected more than 7,711 in China, according to the latest update by China's National Health Commission. Infections have been reported in at least 15 other countries and in every province of mainland China.

China-linked stocks were among the hardest hit amid increased economic pessimism. Webjet skidded 6.9% to $12.01, IDP Education 6.2% to $17.90 while Corporate Travel Management slid 4.8% to $17.86.

Travel stocks remained hard hit due to worries that the coronavirus could impact tourism in Australia. It's estimated that Chinese visitors account for almost a third of tourist spending in Australia. Stocks including Flight Centre (FLT), Webjet (WEB), Corporate Travel Management (CTD) and Sydney Airport (SYD) fell heavily today.

Geospatial map technology firm Nearmap plunged 29.9% to $1.705 after downgrading its revenue guidance.

Bullion producer Gold Road Resources jumped 11.2% to $1.495 after the release of a strong quarterly production update.

CURRENCY NEWS: The Australian dollar, sensitive to shifts in broader risk appetite, has eased against the greenback. The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.6734 after declining from levels above $0.676 yesterday.

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