A stock crash occurs when the price of stocks and other investments plunges dramatically. This results in the loss of significant paper wealth. It can occur for several reasons, including underlying economic factors, panic selling, or speculation. Most often, a stock crash occurs after an economic bubble has burst. A crash can also happen in the context of a financial crisis, where the financial system has been compromised.
Panic is one of the leading causes of a crash. When investors fear the value of their investments, they sell their shares to protect their money. As more people fear price declines, more shares are sold, and the stock crash spreads. During a panic, people may also fear legislation that will affect their investments.
Only four months have resulted in as broad of a market wipeout as April. The dot-com bust in October 2000 and the Great Recession in November 2002 both took a similar toll. The Covid crash in March 2020 is likely to be just as severe as the dot-com bust and the Great Recession.
Investors need to remember that the Fed’s rate-hiking plans are largely aimed at combating the effects of surging inflation. While the Fed’s actions have already affected the stock market, the future direction of monetary policy is another concern. The central banks are looking at ways to reduce this uncertainty.
The stock market has a natural cycle, with highs and lows. However, a stock crash can be devastating for investors. Therefore, long-term investing requires building a diversified portfolio that can withstand the market’s ups and downs. The right mix of stocks and bonds will make it possible to weather any lean periods. In addition to diversifying your investments, you need to monitor the economy to avoid risky situations.
