Asian shares and U.S. stocks fell on Thursday as investors remained anxious about the spread of a new flu-like virus in China just as millions prepared to travel for the Lunar New Year.

Asian stock markets recovered ground on Wednesday as China’s response to a virus outbreak tempered some fears of a global pandemic, although Shanghai shares initially slipped amid worries about a hit to domestic demand and tourism.

Asian shares took a sudden turn for the worse on Tuesday as mounting concerns about a new strain of corona virus in China sent a ripple of risk aversion through markets. Safe-haven bonds and the yen edged higher as investors were reminded of the economic damage done by the SARS virus in 2003, particularly given the threat of contagion as hundreds of millions travel for the Lunar New Year holidays.

Asian shares held near a 20-month top on Monday even as investors took some money off the table following a strong run recently, while oil jumped to more than a one-week high after two large crude production bases in Libya began shutting down.

The dollar edged higher Thursday as better-than-expected U.S. retail sales suggested the consumer will continue to keep the economy on solid footing.

The U.S. dollar was largely unchanged on Thursday in Asia following the conclusion of much-awaited Sino-U.S. one trade deal.

Stocks slipped in Asian trade on Wednesday as investors awaited the signing of an initial U.S.-China trade deal, with sentiment somewhat dented by comments from the U.S. Treasury Secretary that tariffs would remain in place for now.

The yuan rose while the safe-haven yen fell on Tuesday in Asia as trade tensions between the U.S. and China eased.

Asian shares shook off a quiet start to reach new 19-month highs on Monday ahead of the expected signing of a Phase 1 China-U.S. trade deal, although markets have yet to see the details of the agreement.

The dollar looked set to post its best week in two months on Friday, buoyed by easing Middle East tensions and upbeat U.S. economic data.