Economic prognosis

Most vulnerable, safer sectors amid coronavirus pandemic

As the coronavirus outbreak takes a toll on human health—sickening around 185,000 and killing more than 7,500 worldwide, as of press deadline—global economies have shuddered in response. Certain business sectors suffered immediately when travel bans grounded flights and anchored cruise ships, but slowdowns and shutdowns are spreading. Moody’s Investors Service, an international research and risk analysis firm, identified industries most and least vulnerable to conditions from the pandemic—most notably, transport restrictions. From Moody’s lists:

High risk

Apparel

Automotive

Global shipping

Retail (non-food)

Travel/hospitality

Moderate

Agriculture

Beverages

Manufacturing

Media

Oil/gas

Low risk

Construction

Defense

Food

Real estate

Telecoms