18h05 ▪ 3 min read ▪ by Fenelon L.
Summarize this article with:
October 19, 2026 falls on a Monday, as in 1987, when Wall Street experienced one of the worst days in its history. Between high oil prices, doubts about artificial intelligence, and persistent inflation, some investors fear a new collapse. However, markets today have protections that did not exist at the time.
In brief
- On October 19, 1987, the Dow Jones dropped 22.6% in a single session, a record still unmatched.
- Friday, October 16, 2026, the S&P 500 closed at 7,659.44 points, while the Nasdaq dropped about 2.2%.
- Since the 1987 crash, Wall Street has implemented trading halt mechanisms to limit panic movements.
1987-2026, why this date worries investors
The calendar coincidence fuels speculation. Especially since investors are turning to safe haven assets in a climate of uncertainty.
On October 19, 1987, the Dow Jones lost 22.6% in one day, wiping out about 500 billion dollars of American stock market capitalization. At the time, automated trading strategies and portfolio insurance mechanisms had amplified the selling.
Thirty-nine years later, concerns resurface. On Friday, October 16, the S&P 500 lost 1.09%, while the Nasdaq gave up about 2.2%. On social networks, some are already announcing a “Black Monday.” However, an anniversary date alone is not enough to predict a crash.
Oil, AI and inflation, three sources of tension
The economic context does not help. Brent touched $110 per barrel, while WTI surpassed $100, amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. This energy spike complicates the fight against inflation, which reached 3.7% year-on-year in September.
Furthermore, the Federal Reserve raised rates in September, bringing its target range between 3.75% and 4%. At the same time, the VIX volatility index climbed back towards 20.
Artificial intelligence is another source of concern. On Friday, CoreWeave dropped nearly 12%, reviving doubts about funding the necessary AI infrastructure. Some of the company’s debt securities reportedly have yields close to 15%.
Bitcoin traded between $80,400 and $81,000 over the weekend, despite turmoil in the technology sector.
Why a new Black Monday cannot be decreed
Since 1987, Wall Street has strengthened its defenses. Today, a 7% or 13% drop in the S&P 500 triggers a temporary trading halt. From 20%, markets close for the rest of the session.
These safeguards do not eliminate risk, but they can slow panic selling. Current tensions remain real: costly financing, expensive energy, and valuations linked to AI.
Ultimately, the calendar does not dictate market direction. The real question concerns the financial strength of companies driving the rise of artificial intelligence. If their promises do not materialize, investors could pay the price.
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Fenelon L.
Passionné par le Bitcoin, j'aime explorer les méandres de la blockchain et des cryptos et je partage mes découvertes avec la communauté. Mon rêve est de vivre dans un monde où la vie privée et la liberté financière sont garanties pour tous, et je crois fermement que Bitcoin est l'outil qui peut rendre cela possible.
DISCLAIMER
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.