Investors brace for ugly start to post-holiday trade in China

Chinese markets have been closed since the end of trade on Jan. 23. World stocks, led by falls in Asia, have dropped 3% since then, mostly on worries about the effect of the coronavirus on China's economy. Singapore-traded Chinese stock futures have traded throughout the break and have shed 7% since Jan. 23, pointing to a fall of a similar magnitude when markets open at 0130 GMT (0930 Malaysian time).

SHANGHAI/SINGAPORE: Investors are bracing for a potential plunge in Chinese markets on Monday when onshore trade in stocks, bonds, yuan and commodities resumes following the Lunar New Year break and a steep global selldown on fears about the spread of a new virus.

Looking to head off a panic, China's central bank plans to inject 1.2 trillion yuan ($173.8 billion) of liquidity into the markets via reverse repo operations on Monday. Beijing also said it would help firms that produce vital goods resume work as soon as possible, state broadcaster CCTV reported.