by Glen Frybarger - Content Strategist, Chicago
KEY POINTS
- Weak US employment data on Friday sparked fear as the unemployment rate rose to 4.3%
- The Nikkei dropped 12.4% Monday, its worst daily change since the 1987 "Black Monday" crash
- The S&P 500 fell 3% Monday, marking its worst day in nearly two years
- The Japanese yen has appreciated 6% against the dollar in the past week
- The S&P 500 Volatility Index (VIX) surged above 60.00, the highest level since the Pandemic
JAPAN'S NIKKEI STOCK AVERAGE DROPS 12.4%
The Nikkei, Japan's counterpart to the S&P 500 or Dow Jones, experienced a dramatic 12.4% drop, marking its worst daily change since the 1987 "Black Monday" stock market crash. This steep decline follows a series of disappointing US economic data releases and escalating fears of a global recession, causing widespread investor anxiety and market volatility.
S&P 500 DROPS 3% ON RISING RECESSION FEAR
The S&P 500 traded 3% lower on Monday as US equities continued to decline in response to July's unexpectedly weak employment data, which saw the US unemployment rate rise to 4.3%. The Nasdaq and Dow fell similarly, down 3.4% and 2.6% respectively. This significant drop signals mounting concerns over a potential economic downturn, further shaking investor confidence.
JAPANESE YEN SURGES ON FLIGHT TO QUALITY
The Japanese yen surged, with USD/JPY trading as low as 141.70 intraday, as investors flocked to the currency for its historic role as a "flight-to-quality" or "safe haven" asset. This trend highlights the yen's appeal during times of heightened economic uncertainty, in contrast to more risk-on currencies like the Australian dollar (AUD). USD/JPY has fallen ~1000 pips in the past week of trading, triggered by a surprise rate cut from the Bank of Japan (BoJ).
STOCK MARKET VOLATILITY HITS HIGHEST LEVELS SINCE PANDEMIC
The S&P 500 Volatility Index (VIX) soared above 60.00 for the first time since the Pandemic, reflecting increased market fear. Equity options traders are pricing in a growing chance of a stock market crash, driving volatility to new peaks and signaling a turbulent period for traders and investors. Publication date:
2024-08-06 10:55:03 (GMT)