In 2017, the stock market had one of its steadiest years in history. Throughout the entire year, the broad-based S&P 500 (INDEX: ^GSPC) never declined by more than 4% from a recent high. Further, between August and the end of the year, it never fell more than 1%. It was a remarkable stretch that Wall Street and investors knew would eventually come to an end.
And boy, did it.
In late January and early February, the stock market’s wild ride began. The CBOE Volatility Index would wind up briefly soaring to nine-year highs as investors were abruptly reminded that markets can actually head down, too. Throughout much of the year, Wall Street and investors have been contending with a rollercoaster ride.
In nominal terms, the iconic Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEX: ^DJI), arguably the most followed stock index in the world, logged nearly half of its 20-largest intraday point swings in its history this year. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 wildest swings of 2018 (presented in ascending order by total point value), as well as delve into what triggered these moves.
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