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