Coronavirus deals much swifter blow to Asian stocks than past crises

Record low valuations give cash-rich companies an advantage, some analysts say

While the slump only about matches the declines in the crash that followed the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, it is the pace that makes the rout this time around seem all the more brutal. © Reuters

NARAYANAN SOMASUNDARAM, Nikkei Asian Review chief banking and financial correspondent

March 31, 2020 20:53 JST

HONG KONG -- The coronavirus-driven stock market rout across Asia has been the most rapid ever and sent valuations tumbling -- with the region's emerging markets bearing the brunt.