The annual Golden Week holidays threaten to give investors fits when adjusting positions in response to coronavirus-related newsflow, which could heighten volatility over the next few weeks.
This year’s string of spring holidays includes four closely timed official holidays — and market closures — on April 29 and from May 4 to 6. What is usually one of the nation's most popular vacation periods, however, will be drastically different this year as businesses stay shut and nonessential travel withers to nothing amid the pandemic.
Adding to concerns is Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike’s proposal for large companies to attach additional holidays to Golden Week to encourage employees to stay at home for even longer.