financial markets

The underlying financial plumbing that allows banks and markets to operate smoothly is under strain.

Economy

Something's Wrong: Stock Sell-Off Exposes Weak Links In Financial System

2:04pm March 13, 2020

by Uri Berliner

The worry is that bankers, traders and big funds might suddenly find themselves out of cash. Such a scenario could create an ugly spiral throughout the economy.

The S&P 500 has seen a nearly fivefold increase since the depths of the Great Recession. It has gone up nearly 30% this year alone.

Economy

A Decade After A Fearful Market Hit Bottom, Stock Bulls Continue Historic Run

6:08am December 30, 2019

by Jim Zarroli

The S&P 500 has seen a nearly fivefold increase since the depths of the Great Recession. But some analysts say the bull market may have gone on too long, encouraging investors to take more risks.

Major U.S. stock indexes fell Friday as short-term Treasury yields exceeded those on long-term bonds, in what some analysts consider a sign that a recession may be coming.

Economy

Stocks Indexes Drop As Bond Market Flashes Recession Warning

9:52pm March 22, 2019

by Scott Horsley

The bond market flashed an ominous warning Friday, as the yield on long-term government debt dipped below that of short-term bills. That unusual situation often signals a recession on the horizon.

Specialist Stephen Naughton works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday.

National

U.S. Stocks Come Back After Steep Losses During The Day

7:07pm December 27, 2018

by Emily Sullivan

The stock market made a comeback after spending much of Thursday in negative territory, a day after a record-setting rally on Wall Street. The Dow closed up nearly 260 points, more than 1 percent.

President Trump meets with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan during a budget discussion in March.

America's Credit Rating On The Line As Debt Ceiling Deadline Approaches

8:39pm August 24, 2017

by Jim Zarroli

Congressional leaders are trying hard to assure the financial markets the United States isn't about to default on its debts, but tweets by President Trump suggest the vote may not go smoothly.

Japan Is Selling Bonds Guaranteed To Lose You Money

1:43pm February 10, 2016

by Jim Zarroli

With the global economy in turmoil, interest rates on some government debt are falling below zero.

Queue Listen Now

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York on Jan. 4.

Analysts: Markets May Be Underestimating U.S. Economic Resilience

12:03pm January 25, 2016

by John Ydstie

Stock markets are often seen as a predictor of what's ahead for the economy. But some say this year's falling markets are crying wolf. "I think financial markets have overreacted," says one economist.

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Chinese investors monitor stock prices at a brokerage house in Beijing on Tuesday.

Chinese Markets Stumble Again, But World Markets Stabilized

10:15am August 25, 2015

by Eyder Peralta

The Shanghai Composite ended 7.6 percent lower and below 3,000 for the first time since December. European markets, however, seemed to shrug off the Chinese rout.