Market Disruption

Market Disruption

A situation where markets cease to function in a regular manner, typically characterized by rapid and large market declines. Market disruptions can result from both physical threats to the stock exchange or a unusual trading (as in a crash). In either case, the disruption creates widespread panic and results in disorderly market conditions.

Notes:

Following the 1987 market crash, systems were put in place to minimize the risks associated with market disruptions including circuit breakers and price limits. These systems are designed to halt trading in rapidly declining markets to avoid panic conditions.

See also: Black Monday, Black Thursday, Bubble, Correction, Crash, Kondratiev Wave, Panic Selling, Volatility