Stock Market Turbulence Linked to Increased Risk of Adverse Cardiovascular Events, Suicide

The psychological stress induced by stock market volatility is associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and suicide, according to a study published in Engineering. 

The research analyzed over 12 million deaths across China from 2013 to 2019. Leveraging an individual-level time-stratified case-crossover design, investigators examined the impact of daily stock volatility, including daily returns and intra-daily oscillations for 3 kinds of stock indices.

According to the results, a 1% decrease in daily returns was associated with 0.74% to 1.04% increase in mortality risks due to MACE and a 1.77% increase in suicide risk. Similarly, the analysis found that a 1% increase in daily returns and intra-daily stock oscillations corresponded to risk increments of 0.57% to 0.85% and 0.67% to 0.77%, respectively.

The researchers concluded their findings “revealed a strong association between daily stock returns, intra-daily oscillations, and heightened risks of mortality due to MACE and suicide. [These] findings underscore the significant health hazards posed by sociopsychological stressors, emphasizing the need for government and public awareness to alleviate cardiovascular and mental health risks linked to stock market volatility.”