Signs spread of virus slowing, opposition party merger

While it’s too early to jump to any firm conclusions, the slowing spread of the virus over the past week lends support to our view that the economy will be able to rebound strongly in the second half of the year. But with the number of coronavirus patients with serious symptoms rising fast – lagging the earlier surge in cases – further states of emergency at the local and national level or a tightening of restrictions remain a possibility.