Which pandemic triggered the 2020 stock-market crash that included four U.S. trading halts?

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered the 2020 stock-market crash, which included four U.S. trading halts. As the virus spread globally in early 2020, investors anticipated lockdowns, travel restrictions, disrupted supply chains, and a severe economic contraction.

The S&P 500 entered a bear market on March 12, 2020, after falling more than 20% from its February record. Trading halts, known as circuit breakers, were triggered four times during the March sell-off as markets moved exceptionally fast.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates and introduced extensive support programs, while governments launched fiscal measures. News about vaccines and reopening prospects later helped equities recover.

The crash was unusually rapid compared with many earlier bear markets. It also produced different results across sectors: airlines, hotels, and energy companies were hit hard, while some technology and stay-at-home businesses gained from changed consumer behavior.