Which 2020 stock-market crash was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and ended the longest U.S. bull market?

The 2020 stock-market crash triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and ending the longest U.S. bull market was the 2020 stock market crash.

The decline accelerated in February and March 2020 as the coronavirus spread internationally, governments imposed restrictions, and investors assessed the likely economic effects. On March 9, March 12, and March 16, U.S. exchanges experienced historic falls, with trading halts activated by market circuit breakers.

The S&P 500 entered a bear market on March 12 after falling at least 20% from its February record. It reached its pandemic low on March 23, only weeks after the crash had intensified. The Federal Reserve and other central banks introduced major support measures, while governments announced large fiscal programs.

The crash also coincided with a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia that briefly drove oil prices sharply lower. Despite the speed of the collapse, U.S. stocks recovered unusually quickly, supported by policy intervention, vaccine progress, and reopening expectations.