Markets cheer 'light at end of tunnel' in virus crisis

LONDON — Equities and crude rallied on Tuesday as investors cheered a further easing of lockdowns in some countries, which offset fears of a renewed trade war between China and the United States.

       Signs that the coronavirus is easing have allowed governments in Europe and parts of Asia-Pacific as well as some US states to begin allowing some businesses to reopen.

      "Markets have reacted to the fact that it seems that there is a little light at the end of the tunnel," Scope Markets analyst James Hughes told AFP.

      "Lockdown easing in the likes of Spain and Italy has led to many looking at timelines for many aspects of life re-opening.

      "Even if the full return to normal life is not yet on the cards, the recent moves at least give many the sense that we are on the right path."

      The gains helped markets claw back some of Monday's steep losses, though there remains a sense of caution on fears of a second wave of infections and as traders contemplate a long recovery from the economic destruction.

      In midday deals, London won one per cent, while in the eurozone, Frankfurt and Paris rebounded by 1.5 per cent apiece.

      Madrid and Milan each chalked up gains of 0.9 per cent.

      "We must be cautious over the lockdown easing however as a return to normal life is still a long way off with social distancing measures likely to be place for many more months," added Hughes.

      "So markets may be in recovery mode but we are yet to realise the full effect that a virtual halt to the global economy has had on many individual countries."

      In Asia, Hong Kong closed up 1.1 per cent as dealers cheered news that some restrictions would be lifted in the city and brushed off data showing its economy suffered its worst contraction on record in the first quarter.

      The reading means it is suffering its longest recession since the financial crisis.

      Sydney gained more than one per cent, while Mumbai gained 0.8 per cent and Taipei edged up 0.5 per cent. Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai were shut for holidays.

      Dealers were keeping tabs on China-US relations after Donald Trump hit out at Beijing over its handling of the outbreak, saying it began in a Wuhan lab, but so far offering no evidence.

      The comments, and his warning he could hit China with fresh tariffs, fanned fears of a repeat of the standoff between the economic superpowers that battered markets last year.

      Beijing has not officially responded to the comments.

      The global easing of lockdown restrictions fanned a sizeable rise in oil prices, which had endured a torrid April, with signs of a pick-up in demand helped by massive output cuts by key producers.