The enlargement of the quarantine zone in Italy to a nationwide reach has already started to affect steel output, with at least two long steel mills announcing production stoppages, sources told Fastmarkets on Wednesday March 11.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJIA) closed down by 5.9% on Wednesday, and in the pre-market this morning, Thursday March 12, the DJIA futures are down by around 4.4% - such is the continued fear in the market.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were all down at the close of morning trading on Thursday March 12, with investors’ appetite for risk dented by broad economic concerns after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus (2019-nCOV) outbreak a global pandemic.

Sentiment in the European market for hot-rolled coil has been bearish due to lower import offers available in the market, sources told Fastmarkets on Wednesday March 11.

Base metals were mixed this morning, Wednesday March 11, while the pre-market Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJIA) was off by 700 points, this after a 1,167-point rise on Tuesday.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were mixed at the close of morning trading on Wednesday March 11, with investors awaiting news of further government stimulus as the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) continues to spread globally.

Here are five Fastmarkets stories you might have missed on Tuesday March 10 that are worth another look.

Domestic prices for hot-rolled coil in Northern Europe have dropped day on day following a decline in import offers and the risks related to the 2019-nCoV coronavirus outbreak in Italy, sources told Fastmarkets on Tuesday March 10.

The publication of Fastmarkets China Domestic Coking Coal price estimate for Monday March 9 was delayed due to an administrative error.

Base metals prices were up across the board this morning, Tuesday March 10, on expectations that central banks and governments will step in to stop the rout.