Global financial markets have been roiled by intense volatility in recent days, triggered by sweeping U.S. tariffs and swift retaliatory measures from major trading partners. The abrupt escalation in trade tensions ignited a dramatic global equity sell-off, wiping out trillions in market value and delivering the steepest declines many indices have seen since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in March 2020 — before a partial rebound emerged.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) — often referred to as the market’s “fear gauge” — spiked to extreme levels, highlighting deepening investor unease. Technology and financial stocks led the downturn, while commodity markets came under significant pressure. Crude oil prices tumbled amid fears that an escalating trade war could tip the global economy into recession, dragging down energy demand. Gold, although volatile, held up relatively well as investors sought safe-haven assets.
Government bond markets saw sharp swings, with U.S. Treasury yields initially falling in a flight to safety, only to surge later amid inflation concerns and speculation over foreign holders reducing their exposure to U.S. debt. This rare combination of rising yields and falling equities has reignited stagflation fears in some corners of the market.
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