Coronavirus Panic Index at 1-Month Low; Global Sentiment on the Rise; Trending Topics: Vaccines, Bankruptcy, & Recession

Key Takeaways

The main indicators we use to measure aspects of Coronavirus media coverage are showing signs of either levelling off or decreasing:

• The Coronavirus Panic Index, which measures the level of panic, fear, or hysteria conveyed in the media about COVID-19, hit a 1 month low yesterday. The index sits at 4.1 after hitting 9.34, its highest level only two weeks ago, as the world extended lockdowns and mobility restrictions
• Rising for two weeks straight, the Global Sentiment Index remains negative, but is starting to show signs of optimism, primarily led by Germany and the United States. The index stands at -51.77, where values range between -100 (most negative) and 100 (most positive). On Jan 6th, when China disclosed the mysterious flu as a new strain of coronavirus, the index was practically neutral at 0.26
• Top 5 Trending Topics: news about potential vaccines, companies filing for bankruptcy, and an imminent recession were among the trending coronavirus topics in the news, yesterday.

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Coronavirus Panic in Decline

The Coronavirus Panic Index hit a 1 month low, as social distancing is causing the curve of coronavirus infection to flatten in many regions of the world. Look for the index to recede to February levels as a sign that social unrest is easing, providing a solid launchpad to fully restart the global economy.

Global Sentiment Improving

While the Global Sentiment Index remains in negative territory, it is starting to show signs of optimism, primarily led by improving sentiment in Germany and the United States. The index stands at -51.77, has been rising for two weeks straight, and off it's all time low of -70 back on March 31st. On Jan 6th, when China disclosed the mysterious flu as a new strain of coronavirus, the index was practically neutral at 0.26.

Top 5: Coronavirus Topics in the News

News remains dominated by themes including social distancing, fear, and stay at home guidelines. Yesterday, we saw potential vaccines, companies filing for bankruptcy, and indications of a major recession trending higher in the media. Watch for new topics emerging as potential risk factors.