Might as well blame it on the virus

The region's relative fundamentals were already deteriorating before the virus outbreak. Hong Kong, in particular, has been seeing for some time its economy go downhill and investment confidence slipping. Now a health pariah as well, bankers and other businessmen are finding the going twice as hard. The danger is that the long-term issues, such as proposals for the most profound stock market changes in two decades, may be overlooked. By Pauline Loong, Nick Ferguson and Fiona Haddock.