Patch of Rough Road

[LiveFromNY]

So far, the new coronavirus has led to more than 100,000 illnesses and more than 3,000 deaths worldwide. But that's nothing compared with the flu, also called influenza. In the U.S. alone, the flu has caused an estimated 34 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Those aren't the stats that matter. The really scary stat is the hospitalization rate. While relatively few who contract influenza require hospitalization, a MUCH higher percentage of people who contract this new coronavirus are very likely going to end up in a hospital bed and the threat of overwhelming the system is very real. If we fill up every bed in the country - which is looking very possible at this point - what's going to happen when one of us has a heart attack or is run over by Magnus Walker?

[StephenAcworth]

Those aren't the stats that matter. The really scary stat is the hospitalization rate. While relatively few who contract influenza require hospitalization, a MUCH higher percentage of people who contract this new coronavirus are very likely going to end up in a hospital bed and the threat of overwhelming the system is very real. If we fill up every bed in the country - which is looking very possible at this point - what's going to happen when one of us has a heart attack or is run over by Magnus Walker?

Exactly so - and I hope your step-father responds well to the treatment he is receiving - being surrounded by hazmat suits is kind of scary...

[LiveFromNY]

Exactly so - and I hope your step-father responds well to the treatment he is receiving - being surrounded by hazmat suits is kind of scary...

Thanks, sir. Scary times...

[jaudette3]

You never know what Goldman and the other sorcerers are up to with the markets but this stampede south looks real, especially accompanied by the rush to safety in the bond markets. I feel very fortunate to have spent my 20 years as a broker and stock analyst when I did. I’m a bit of a historian when it comes to the stock market and I don’t recall this shape move with virtually no relief rallies. VIX 100?

So that makes two cohorts of knowledgeable and intelligent folks: financial professionals and health professionals. That’s enough to convince me. Will up to date? Check. Clean underwear? Check. Stop buying eggs by the dozen? Check. All restoration projects finished? Umm...

[nvr2mny]

So that makes two cohorts of knowledgeable and intelligent folks: financial professionals and health professionals. That’s enough to convince me. Will up to date? Check. Clean underwear? Check. Stop buying eggs by the dozen? Check. All restoration projects finished? Umm...

All parts sold.............UNcheck!

In all seriousness, I’m not sure what to think other than I sure as hell don’t trust the media or gov’t reporting. It appears to me that all the “closings” are more from factor of liability than true health concerns. One can only imagine the potential class action suits that will come out of this from the bottom feeders.

[nvr2mny]

Thanks, sir. Scary times...

SO sorry to hear this JP. I hope he fares well my friend.

[LiveFromNY]

Whether reactions to or the handling of the situation aren't to one's liking or understanding, one thing that can't be argued is the economic impact that this situation creates for the U.S. and world economy.

The politicizing of the subject by many is unfortunate

Well said.

[LiveFromNY]

SO sorry to hear this JP. I hope he fares well my friend.

Thanks, mate. Very much appreciated! He's a tough old dude and I'm of the belief that counts for something.

[swcarroll]

So far, the new coronavirus has led to more than 100,000 illnesses and more than 3,000 deaths worldwide. But that's nothing compared with the flu, also called influenza. In the U.S. alone, the flu has caused an estimated 34 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

That may be so, but I don't ever remember hearing of someone with the flu walking into a nursing home and killing 20 residents.

[62S-R-S]

Another way to view monumental market swings, is that as things descend further down, the prices become a lot more attractive (eventually) to folks on the sidelines observing such discounts. A famous investor, Phil Fisher emphasized that over a 5 - 10 year cycle.. to expect shares to pull back as much as 50%. But if the shares are in solid prospects, those kinds of companies can later rebound as much as 8 - 10X's their previous level.