Skip to content

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Global stocks stabilise as governments look to limit economic fallout from COVID-19

Global equities edged higher on Friday as governments and central banks ramp up efforts to limit the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Trader Source: Bloomberg

Global stocks stabilised on Friday after governments and central banks stepped up efforts to limit the spread and the economic impact of COVID-19.

The S&P 500 climbed 3% higher on Friday morning, finding support after suffering its worst day of trading since 1987 on Thursday. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones are also trading 2% higher.

But despite Friday’s gains, the S&P 500 remains on course to suffer its worst week since the 2008 financial crisis.

US stocks and treasury yields were bolstered by after the Federal Reserve announcing it would buy $37 billion worth of bonds and President Donald Trump gearing up to declare a national emergency to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

European equities fight back

European stocks also found support on Friday after the Bank of England, European Central Bank and the German government acted to shore up financial markets and protect their respective economies from the COVID-19 outbreak

The FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX all closed higher on Friday. However, all three indices fell by more than 14% over the course of this week.

Looking to trade global stocks and other asset classes? Open a live or demo account with IG.

In China, the SSE Composite Index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng closed 1% lower on Friday, with the pair down 4% this week. In response, China’s central bank said it would inject $79 billion to help its economy weather the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.

Even though global equities have stabilised on Friday, the reprieve is likely to be brief however, with market volatility expected continue next week as coronavirus cases continue to rise around the world putting added strain on businesses.

You can go long or short various asset classes with IG using derivatives like CFDs and spread bets.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

React to global volatility

Market volatility continues as coronavirus dominates the global agenda. Trade with us to take advantage of:

  • Tight spreads – from just 1 point on major indices, and 2.8 on US crude
  • Guaranteed stops – they’re free to use, and you’ll only pay a small fee if they’re triggered
  • Round-the-clock assistance – our highly-skilled team are on hand to support you

Live prices on most popular markets

  • Equities
  • Indices
  • Forex
  • Commodities


Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.

Plan your trading week

Get the week’s market-moving news sent directly to your inbox every Sunday. The Week Ahead gives you a full calendar of upcoming economic events, as well as commentary from our expert analysts on the key markets to watch.


For more info on how we might use your data, see our privacy notice and access policy and privacy webpage.

You might be interested in…

Find out what charges your trades could incur with our transparent fee structure.

Discover why so many clients choose us, and what makes us a world-leading provider of spread betting and CFDs.

Stay on top of upcoming market-moving events with our customisable economic calendar.