The world’s pile of negative-yielding debt has grown as the economic backdrop soured and fears of a pandemic mounted.

The Federal Reserve has voted unanimously to cut the interest rate 50 basis points to 1.10% effective March 4, in the first emergency rate cut since 2008.

The Federal Open Market Committee cut the fed funds rate target 50 basis points to a range between 1% and 1.25%, it announced Tuesday.

The bloodbath in risk assets has intensified on deepening concerns about the economic fallout from the spread of the coronavirus.

The SPDR fund saw a one-day exodus of $372 million as the sector struggles amid bets that the Fed will cut rates to mitigate damages from the coronavirus.

The investing world is rushing to cater people who want to make a difference with their money but are unwilling to accept higher volatility or fees.

While the deadly virus threatens to harm the world economy, the funds have remained popular as the Fed signals low rates for the foreseeable future.

The $6 billion fund saw almost 3 million shares hit the tape after DoubleLine’s CEO touted its potential for retirees in his annual markets webcast.

Appetite for cyclical plays like financials has picked up as trade negotiations between the U.S. and China show signs of progress.

Given that almost one-third of leveraged loans are just a downgrade away from triple-C, even a modest slowdown could create a snowball effect of sorts.

Investment banks are increasingly studying the relative positioning of funds that compete with each other to beat benchmarks.

Angst over the Fed’s decision to lower borrowing costs has seeped into the $3.8 trillion market for municipal bonds.

As much as $18 billion of inflows to money market funds last week were partly driven by the desire to “take some chips off the table,” an expert says.

“There are too many negatives at this point. What Trump is saying and what the Fed is saying is no longer enough,” an expert says.

Some managers have taken on more risk amid a decades-long decline in interest rates and slow global economic growth to meet long term targets.

With markets near certain that the Fed will lower rates this month, debate has shifted to the size of the cut and its impact.

James Gorman dismissed any speculation after the unit posted record revenue and pretax profit in the second quarter.

Outstanding options riding the world’s most heavily traded government debt product are near the highest level this year.

Those with 1099 income have several tax-advantaged options.

The firm is snapping up five- and 10-year notes as it predicts slowing inflation and trade tensions will push the Fed to lower its benchmark 75 basis points.