Coronavirus 'could cost global economy $8.8tn' says ADB

The coronavirus pandemic could cost the global economy between $5.8tn and $8.8tn, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB).

That's more than double last month's prediction and equates to 6.4%-9.7% of the world's economic output.

It comes as measures to slow the spread of Covid-19 continue to paralyse economic activity around the world.

"This new analysis presents a broad picture of the very significant potential economic impact of Covid-19," the ADB's chief economist Yasuyuki Sawada said.

"It also highlights the important role policy interventions can play to help mitigate damage to economies," he added.

The ADB said the top end of the range was based on the assumption that curbs to movement and businesses operating would last six months, while the bottom end assumed the restrictions would remain in place for three months.

Central banks around the world have moved aggressively to cut interest rates and roll out massive stimulus measures to help combat the impact of the outbreak that has rocked financial markets and raised fears of a deep global recession.

(Source: BBC)