From Tulips to Coronavirus

Ever since the Tulip Bubble crash of 1637, global and local stock markets, and the companies and investors that use them, have suffered major corrections as the result of speculation, economic collapse, military or terrorist activity and, on occasions, disease. In the recent past, markets have suffered through SARS, Ebola and avian flu with mainly collateral damage rather than a lasting impact. But what we are seeing currently in terms of economic, market and financial industry disruption is unique as far as global impact and the speed with which events have unfolded.