Which U.S. market index recorded its largest single-day point loss during the COVID-19 crash on March 16, 2020?

The Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded its largest single-day point loss during the COVID-19 crash on March 16, 2020.

The Dow fell 2,997.10 points that day, a decline of about 12.9%. The drop occurred as investors reacted to the rapidly spreading coronavirus, business shutdowns, travel restrictions, and emergency economic measures around the world.

The Dow’s point loss was the largest in its history at that time, although percentage comparisons are more meaningful across different index levels. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also suffered severe declines during the same market shock.

The crash included several trading halts, commonly called circuit breakers, when major U.S. indexes fell rapidly. Extraordinary monetary and fiscal responses, followed by vaccine developments and reopening expectations, helped markets recover from the March lows.