Issue Summary

The Wuhan coronavirus continues to spread, putting a virtual halt to parts of China’s economy. Airlines there are feeling the pain, with empty seats that would otherwise be crammed full with holiday travelers. Airlines elsewhere temporarily suspended much of their China flying, with demand eviscerated. Yet most will likely benefit financially, with this lost demand outweighed by the virus scare’s thunderous impact on oil prices. In early January, Brent crude oil prices came close to hitting $70 per barrel. They open this week below $60.