Global markets tumble as VIX hits 5-year high, gold surges on safe-haven demand
Global markets reeled on Wednesday under intense selling pressure, with the Volatility Index (VIX) -- often dubbed the "fear index" -- surging to its highest level in five years, while gold prices jumped over 2% as investors rushed to safe havens.

The turmoil followed heightened fears of a global recession, triggered by sweeping new tariffs announced by the Trump administration, which sparked uncertainty across key financial markets.
The VIX, a widely watched measure of market volatility, rose to the 50 level during Wednesday’s session -- its highest since the COVID-19 pandemic -- and was hovering around 48 as of 0945 GMT, reflecting growing investor anxiety.
In the US, stock markets posted double-digit losses over the past two days, marking the worst slide since President Donald Trump returned to office in January. The combined market value loss reached an estimated $6 trillion.
Gold, a traditional safe-haven asset during market upheaval, saw a significant uptick. The price of gold rose to $3,046.10 per ounce, gaining 2.14% on the day, as investors fled riskier assets in favor of more stable stores of value.
Most Read News
-
Death toll in Texas flash floods rises to 51
-
Russia’s foreign minister arrives in Brazil to attend BR
-
Record 1M shop owners close businesses in South Korea in
-
Floods kill 2 in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province
-
Hamas’ changes to Gaza ceasefire proposal ‘unacceptable’
-
Israeli army claims intercepting missile fired from Yeme
-
Death toll from building collapse in Pakistan's Karachi
-
Philippine's former President Duterte gives up challenge
-
Zelenskyy says Ukraine, US agree to 'significantly' enha
-
Iranian supreme leader makes 1st public appearance since