China’s Shanghai Composite Index fell about 8.5% on August 24, 2015, during a global market sell-off.
The Shanghai Composite had risen dramatically from mid-2014 into June 2015, supported by widespread retail participation, margin financing, and expectations of continued economic growth. After the market peaked, forced selling, concerns about China’s economy, and uncertainty over government interventions contributed to a sharp reversal. August 24 became known internationally as Black Monday because several global markets also dropped.
The Shanghai Composite lost 8.49% on August 24, 2015. The decline continued through subsequent sessions, although the precise causes and the effectiveness of official measures remained subjects of debate. China’s stock market is not identical to the broader Chinese economy: the index primarily represents listed shares, and its movements do not directly measure every sector or household.
This event is distinct from the 2015 devaluation of the renminbi, although both heightened international concern about China’s economic outlook.