Yesterday saw the ASX 200 Index sell off a whopping 7. 3 per cent in what was the most brutal fall in our Australian equity market since 10 October, 2008, which was in the height of the GFC. From the peak just 13 days ago the ASX 200 has dropped 19.

In the wake of the latest news about the coronavirus cases and the sharp correction seen in global equities, Andrew Macken, Montaka’s CIO addresses two key questions which are being posed by investors. To learn more, watch this special edition of Montaka’s Spotlight series.

There’s the Coronavirus pandemic and then there’s the associated panic. Both will have an impact on near term investment returns and as I write this note, the ASX200 price index has swung 13 per cent down from its January high. But the pandemic and the panic will also provide level-headed investors with an opportunity.

Codan Limited (ASX: CDA) is one of Australia’s unheralded tech stories. Today, it sells its metal detectors, communications and tracking equipment in more than 150 countries to prospectors, the military, mining companies and governments. With a solid balance sheet and a bright future, there’s a lot to like.

Looked purely from an investing perspective at the global sell-off caused by the coronavirus pandemic could be manna from heaven for cashed-up value investors. I think we’re about to see some wonderful buying opportunities. “Democracy destroys itself because it abuses its right to freedom and equality.

While achieving revenue growth is proving to be challenging for the banks at present with the impact of ultra-low interest rates and the effects of the Hayne Royal Commission, there are parts of the credit market that are generating very strong growth.

Back in October, we made the case that NEXTDC’s (ASX:NXT) material share price underperformance would be temporary and that there were catalysts ahead that would bring that to an end. Today, we update our thesis post NXT’s 1H20 results and outlook.