SLOVENIA

President Pahor nominates SDS leader Janša for prime minister

President Borut Pahor on Wednesday formally nominated Janez Janša, the leader of the Democrats (SDS), for prime minister after four parties reached an agreement forming a centre-right coalition. (STA)

SDS, SMC, NSi and DeSUS reach agreement on forming a coalition

The Democrats (SDS), Modern Centre Party (SMC), New Slovenia (NSi) and Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) have reached an agreement on forming a coalition, the head of the SDS deputy group Danijel Krivec announced on Tuesday. (STA)

Coronavirus: Proportionate measures being taken, border closure possible

In the wake of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 spreading in Italy, health authorities in Slovenia say no additional protective measures are needed for healthy population in the country. Prime Minister says proportionate measures will be taken and that Slovenia will close its border with Italy if necessary. (STA)

Coronavirus so far not affecting Slovenian economy

The novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak has so far had no profound effect on Slovenia's economy, but problems have arisen in certain areas. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek said on Monday that the government was deliberating mitigation measures, such as subsidies to compensate for shorter working time. (STA)

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

Dow plunges 1,000 points on coronavirus fears, 3.5% drop is worst in two years; European stocks fall amid fears over the coronavirus outbreak; Stoxx 600 down 1.8%

The stock rout continued on Tuesday as diving bond yields raised more concern that the global economy is slowing significantly because of the spreading coronavirus. The 10-year Treasury yield hit a record low as the Dow Jones Industrial Average added to Monday’s 1,000-point drop.
Comments from health officials warning of a possible outbreak in the U.S. also spooked investors, causing a turnaround in stocks which had opened the day higher. The Dow dropped 879.44 points, or 3.1%, to 27,081.36 after being up more than 180 points at one point shortly after the open. The S&P 500 slid 3% to 3,128.21 while the Nasdaq Composite fell 2.8% to 8,965.61.
Mastercard warned about the potential impact the coronavirus will have on 2020 results, sending their shares down more than 6%.
Analysts have already begun cutting their earnings estimates for the first quarter. Data compiled by The Earnings Scout showed analysts expect S&P 500 earnings to contract by about 0.1% this quarter.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed down 1.8% provisionally, with all sectors in the red. Among the major bourses, France’s CAC was among the worst performers, slumping 2%.
On the data front, falling exports caused German economic activity to stagnate in the fourth quarter, according to detailed figures released on Tuesday. The Federal Statistics Office confirmed that the German economy grew by 0.6% in 2019, the weakest rate of expansion since the euro zone debt crisis in 2013. (CNBC)

SERBIA

KMBN: NLB offer accepted, local press reports

NLB has been selected as a number one bidder in case of Komercijalna Banka privatization, local b92 site reported. According to the same source, the speculated number of EUR 450m is not correct. Negotiations were completed while privatization agreement is expected to be signed soon, b92 also reported. (b92, Ilirika)

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