By Christopher Hogbin
Global equities rebounded sharply in the second quarter, driven by massive stimulus efforts and progress in the fight against the coronavirus. But investors face new risks in the third quarter as companies and countries count the costs of the pandemic and cope with the threat of a second wave of contagion.
After a first-quarter crash, stocks bounced back in April, May and early June as many countries gradually reopened their economies for business (Display, left). Toward quarter-end, returns moderated slightly amid concern that infection rates were increasing. While elevated volatility