What name is commonly given to the worldwide stock-market crash that began in February 2020?

The worldwide stock-market crash that began in February 2020 is commonly called the COVID-19 market crash.

Global equities fell rapidly as governments introduced travel restrictions, business closures, and lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19. Between 19 February and 23 March 2020, the S&P 500 fell about 34%. Major exchanges experienced extreme volatility and triggered temporary circuit breakers several times.

The crash was intensified by an oil-price dispute between Saudi Arabia and Russia in March 2020. Central banks and governments then introduced large monetary and fiscal support programs. Markets rebounded sharply after the initial collapse, although the pandemic continued to cause serious economic disruption.

The event is sometimes called the coronavirus crash or the pandemic crash. It should not be confused with the 2020 oil-price crash, which was a related but narrower energy-market shock.