Standard Chartered said the coronavirus epidemic would slow its profit growth this year, adding to the headwinds the Asia-focused bank faces from social unrest in Hong Kong and the aftermath of the trade war.
The spread of the virus “will make it more difficult for us to hit our financial targets,” chief executive Bill Winters told journalists as the bank reported earnings Thursday. In a statement, the bank said it expects “suppressed income” and additional credit losses because of the outbreak.