Stock markets rebound from their lows – what happened and what comes next?

​​​The week that shook markets

​In a dramatic turn of events, global financial markets experienced a whirlwind of volatility this week, leaving investors and analysts scrambling to make sense of the rapid shifts. The turbulence began late last week when weak US jobs data sparked concerns about a potential recession in the world's largest economy. What followed was a series of steep sell-offs and subsequent rebounds that rippled through markets worldwide.

​The epicentre of the storm hit Japan on Monday, with the Nikkei 225 index plummeting an astonishing 12.4% - its worst single-day performance since the infamous Black Monday crash of 1987. This shock reverberated across the globe, leading to significant declines in US and European markets as panic spread among investors.

​However, in a testament to the market's resilience and unpredictability, Tuesday saw an equally dramatic reversal. The Nikkei bounced back with a 10% gain, while other global indices also recovered much of their losses. This rapid about-face left many wondering: what exactly triggered such extreme market movements, and what might lie ahead?

​Unravelling the causes

​Several key factors converged to create this perfect storm of market volatility:

​Economic uncertainty in the US

​The primary catalyst appears to have been growing concerns about the health of the US economy. A weaker-than-expected jobs report, coupled with rising unemployment figures, triggered fears that the world's economic powerhouse might be heading towards a recession. This data also fuelled speculation about potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, adding another layer of uncertainty to the mix.

​The yen carry trade unwind

​A surprise interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) set off a chain reaction in currency markets. As the Japanese yen strengthened, it forced the rapid unwinding of the so-called "yen carry trade" - a popular strategy where investors borrow in low-interest-rate currencies (like the yen) to invest in higher-yielding assets. The sudden reversal of these trades led to forced liquidations and amplified market movements.

​Geopolitical tensions

​Ongoing geopolitical concerns, particularly in the Middle East, added to the general sense of unease in the markets.

​Summer trading conditions

​The timing of these events, during the traditionally low-volume summer trading period, may have exacerbated price swings as reduced liquidity can lead to more pronounced market moves.

​Current market landscape

​Despite the dramatic swings, it's important to note that most major indices have now recovered the bulk of Monday's losses. The S&P 500, for instance, is still only about 7-8% off its all-time highs. However, the recent turmoil has significantly increased market volatility from the unusually calm conditions that characterised much of 2024 thus far.

​Looking ahead: what's next for investors?

​As markets attempt to find their footing, several key factors will likely shape the path forward:

​Economic data watch

​Upcoming US economic indicators, including figures on consumer sentiment, retail sales, and inflation, will be closely scrutinised. These data points could significantly influence expectations for Federal Reserve (Fed) policy and provide clearer signals about the true state of the US economy.

​Earnings season impact

​The continuation of a relatively strong corporate earnings season could help soothe investor nerves and provide support for equity markets.

​Potential for further volatility

​Many analysts caution that markets remain on edge, and further bouts of turbulence cannot be ruled out. Investors should be prepared for the possibility of additional sharp moves in either direction.

​Historical perspective

​While recent events may feel alarming, it's crucial to remember that market corrections are a normal and frequent occurrence. Historical data shows that the S&P 500 typically experiences a 5% pullback in most years and a double-digit drawdown in about two-thirds of years. Despite these regular corrections, the market has finished positive in 73% of years since 1928.

​The path forward

​At this juncture, many market experts are adopting a cautious, wait-and-see approach.

​As investors navigate these choppy waters, it's important to maintain perspective. While the recent volatility has been dramatic, it's worth remembering that market corrections are an inherent part of the investment landscape. The key questions now are whether this represents a healthy reset of an overheated market or if more significant economic challenges lie on the horizon. Only time - and careful analysis of incoming economic data - will provide those answers.