TechnologyJuly 17, 2026
contagion
/kənˈteɪdʒən/
Definition
The rapid spread of negative market sentiment or economic decline from one sector or region to another.
Etymology
Originating from the Latin word 'contagio,' which refers to contact or infection, it entered English through Old French. While it historically refers to the spread of disease, it is frequently used metaphorically in finance to describe the transfer of negative economic conditions.
In the news
In this article, the word describes how the sell-off in U.S. tech stocks triggered a widespread decline that quickly moved into Asian markets. It highlights the interconnectedness of global financial exchanges during a downturn.
SoftBank Tumbles 11% as Global AI Sell-Off Triggers 'Another Wipeout' for Tech Momentum Winners
Read the full article ↗Benzinga