Which 2020 crash began in February as COVID-19 spread and became the fastest bear market in U.S. history?

The COVID-19 stock-market crash began in February 2020 and became the fastest bear market in U.S. history.

As the novel coronavirus spread internationally, investors anticipated lockdowns, business closures and a severe economic contraction. The S&P 500 entered a bear market on 12 March 2020 and reached its pandemic low on 23 March, only 33 days after its record high. Trading was interrupted by circuit breakers several times as prices moved violently.

Central-bank support, government stimulus and hopes for vaccines helped markets rebound sharply from March lows. The crash coincided with an oil-price shock after a breakdown in OPEC+ negotiations, adding pressure to energy shares. It was distinct from the 2008 crisis because the initial trigger was a public-health emergency rather than a banking collapse.