Global markets on track for worst quarter since 2011
The commodity price rout, fresh concerns over the Chinese economy followed by its shock devaluation, uncertainty surrounding the Greek bailout deal, the prospect of a September interest rate rise from the Fed were some of the factors that made this summer a white knuckle ride for investors.
Federal Reserve's first interest rate rise since 2006.
So it's hardly surprising that global stock markets are careering towards their worst quarter since 2011.
Other more minor events such as
"Global equities are closing in on their worst quarter since 2011, with a number of factors fuelling fears in an already jittery market, including weak global growth, driven by deceleration in emerging markets, particularly China," strategists at Barclays wrote.
Comparatively smaller events have also played a part according to an analyst at online trading firm IG Group.
"In the wake of the worldwide selloff in equities that began in August, global markets have been in a heightened state of sensitivity. Rarely does one see so many major event-driven selloffs in quick succession. Last week the VW emissions scandal prompted a major selloff in European markets, carmakers and related companies worldwide.
"Then Hilary Clinton, who had been planning to announce some new healthcare policies, jumped on the egregious price increase in a toxoplasmosis drug by new internet hate-target Martin Shkreli to decry the price of drugs in the US. This prompted a major selloff in healthcare and biotechnology stocks."
"Following this, Monday saw the release of an Investec report on the major diversified mining companies, reiterating a “hold” recommendation on Glencore. However, it noted all shareholder equity in the company could be eliminated in a worst-case “spot price scenario”. This lead to Glencore’s FTSE-listing falling 29%, sparking a major global selloff focussed on the commodities sector."