Macro
Search catalysts, news stories, and pressures, or browse the trust-weighted news feed below.
month values ▾
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +0.10 | +0.28 | -0.10 | +0.00 | +0.10 | +0.20 | +0.26 | +0.20 | +0.20 | +0.20 | +0.30 | +0.30 |
The spring SARS scare briefly spooked me, but it was contained by July; the real story was December's Medicare Modernization Act creating the Part D drug benefit, a huge new revenue stream flowing to pharma from 2006.
How this mood is scored ▾
Reports of a new respiratory illness later identified as SARS began spreading from Guangdong province, prompting travel disruption and economic concern across Asia. Airlines, hotels, and retailers in Hong Kong, China, and Singapore saw sharp demand hits in the following months. The outbreak added another headwind to global markets already nervous about the looming Iraq war.
The World Health Organization announced the SARS outbreak is contained after Taiwan, the final affected region, reported no new cases for 20 days. The virus infected over 8,400 people and killed 812, primarily in Asia, with implications for global health security and economic stability in affected regions. WHO warns of potential resurgence and stresses need for ongoing vigilance, research, and strengthened public health systems.