Financial Crisis

A financial crisis is a significant disruption in the normal functioning of financial markets, resulting in a loss of confidence and severe economic instability. It typically involves a rapid decline in asset prices, the failure of financial institutions, increased unemployment, and a reduction in consumer spending. Financial crises can arise from various factors, including excessive debt, poor risk management practices, asset bubbles, and systemic issues within the financial system. They often lead to a credit crunch, where banks and other lenders become unwilling to lend, further exacerbating economic downturns. Notably, financial crises can have widespread repercussions, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments, and may prompt interventions from policymakers to restore stability. Historical examples include the Great Depression of the 1930s, the 2008 global financial crisis, and various regional crises that have occurred over the decades.