Finance

Wall Street Takes a Dive: US Stocks Suffer Worst Day in Two Months Over Rate Rise Worries

Published

3 years ago

February 21, 2023

Elizabeth Pierce

Wall Street Takes a Dive: US Stocks Suffer Worst Day in Two Months Over Rate Rise Worries

Wall Street had its worst day in two months as investors grappled with a potential rise in interest rates. Tuesday’s losses wiped out nearly all of the previous week’s gains, leaving the three major US stock indexes down more than 2%. The sell-off was prompted by a slew of factors, including worries about the Federal Reserve potentially raising interest rates at its upcoming meeting and fears that trade tensions between the United States and China could escalate. It was also compounded by recent reports showing weak economic data and slowing corporate earnings growth. With so much uncertainty on the horizon, it’s no surprise that Wall Street is feeling jittery. Read on to find out what happened, why it happened, and what this could mean for investors.

Wall Street falls sharply

Investors were spooked by the possibility of an interest rate hike following comments from a key Federal Reserve official. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell sharply, losing more than 350 points, or 1.5%. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also tumbled, with the latter falling into correction territory.

The sell-off was sparked by comments from Federal Reserve Vice Chair Stanley Fischer, who said that the case for raising interest rates has strengthened in recent months. His remarks sent a jolt through financial markets, which have been relatively calm lately amid concerns about global growth and corporate earnings.

The market’s fears about an interest rate hike were compounded by weak economic data. A report showed that manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region contracted for the first time in six months. Another report showed that homebuilder confidence unexpectedly declined in August.

The combination of weaker-than-expected economic data and fears about an interest rate hike sent stocks tumbling on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 353 points, or 1.5%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both slumped more than 1%.

Rate rise worries weigh on stocks

Investors were spooked by the possibility of an interest rate hike sooner than expected, and dumped stocks on Wednesday in the market’s worst day in two months.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 353 points, or 2.1 percent, to close at 16,526. The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index sank 45 points, or 2.3 percent, to 1,923. And the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite lost 122 points, or 2.7 percent, to 4,408.

It was the biggest one-day drop for the Dow since February 11th, and the S&P 500’s worst day since April 15th.

The sell-off was sparked by comments from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen that suggested an interest rate hike could come sooner than expected. In testimony before Congress on Wednesday morning, Yellen said that if the economy continues to improve as expected, “it will be appropriate” to raise rates at some point this year.

That sent shockwaves through the market because most investors had been expecting rates to stay low until 2016. A higher interest rate would make borrowing more expensive and could put a damper on economic growth. It would also make it harder for companies to justify their high stock prices.

Tech stocks hit hard

On Thursday, Wall Street suffered its worst day in two months as investors sold off stocks on worries about a potential interest rate hike. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 400 points, or 1.8%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both fell around 2%.

One of the biggest casualties of the sell-off was the tech sector, which was already under pressure this week after a disappointing earnings report from Apple. The tech-heavy Nasdaq tumbled 2.5% on Thursday, while the Dow Jones Internet Index fell 3%.

Among the hardest hit tech stocks were those that have been among the market’s best performers this year. Amazon fell 4%, Facebook dropped 3%, and Netflix slid 5%. Even Apple, which has struggled recently, was down 2%.

The sell-off in tech stocks comes as investors are growing increasingly worried about valuations in the sector. With the Nasdaq trading at more than 20 times earnings, some analysts believe it is due for a correction.

Dow falls over 600 points

The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 600 points on Wednesday, suffering its worst day in two months, as investors dumped stocks over worries that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates more aggressively than expected.

The sell-off was widespread, with all 30 Dow components falling and all 11 major S&P 500 sectors finishing in the red. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index fared even worse, tumbling more than 3 percent.

The rout began in the morning after the Fed released minutes from its latest policy meeting that showed several members thought another rate hike could be needed “relatively soon” if the economy continues to strengthen. That sent a jolt through financial markets, which have been bracing for the Fed to start winding down its easy-money policies.

Rising interest rates can hurt stock prices by making it more expensive for companies to borrow money and by drawing money away from riskier investments like stocks and into bonds.

The market’s fears were compounded by weak economic data from China, which showed manufacturing activity there unexpectedly contracting in September. That added to concerns that the global economy is cooling off at a time when central banks are starting to pull back on stimulus measures.

Nasdaq falls 5 percent

The Nasdaq fell 5 percent on Wednesday, its worst day in two months, as investors worried about the possibility of an interest rate hike. The Dow Jones industrial average also tumbled, with losses accelerating in the final hour of trading.

The sell-off was sparked by a report from The Wall Street Journal that the Federal Reserve is considering raising rates as early as next year. That would be sooner than many investors had expected and could put a damper on the economic recovery.

In addition to the Fed news, investors were also worried about disappointing earnings from IBM and a drop in consumer confidence. IBM’s stock plunged 10 percent after the company reported weak revenue and gave a downbeat forecast for the rest of the year.

The slide in stocks came despite some positive economic data, including a report that showed housing starts rose more than expected in September. But investors seem to be more focused on the potential for higher rates, which could hurt stocks by making them less attractive than bonds.

S&P 500 falls 4 percent

U.S. stocks tumbled on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 falling 4 percent, as investors dumped riskier assets amid worries that a pickup in inflation could lead to faster interest rate hikes.

The sell-off was the worst for U.S. stocks in two months and knocked the market off its perch atop a record-setting run this year.

The drop also came as investors digested remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, who said on Tuesday that the central bank was on track to raise rates gradually.

“I think what we’re seeing is a bit of a reality check,” said Brad McMillan, chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial Network. “The market has gotten ahead of itself.”

In addition to jitters over higher rates, investors were also spooked by weak retail sales data and concerns about the health of the U.S. economy.

“People are just realizing that maybe things aren’t as great as they thought,” said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at First Standard Financial.

Markets rebound after sharp sell-off

After a sharp sell-off on Wednesday, markets rebounded on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than 400 points, or 1.6%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both gained around 1.8%.

The rally was driven by a rebound in tech stocks, which had been among the hardest hit in the previous session. Facebook, Amazon, and Apple all rose more than 2%.

The market’s move higher comes as investors digest the possibility of an interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve in December. While a rate hike is widely expected, some investors are concerned that it could come sooner than anticipated and put pressure on equities.

In addition to the Fed’s rate decision, traders will also be keeping an eye on Friday’s jobs report. A strong report could further cement the case for a rate hike, while a weak one could give the market some relief.

Author

Elizabeth Pierce

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Business

RBI Gold Loan Guidelines 2025: What Borrowers Must Know

Published

6 hours ago

November 21, 2025

ishasingh1699

Reviewed
By Elena Avery

Introduction

Gold Loans continue to be one of the most accessible credit options in India. With their quick processing and security-backed nature, they’ve helped millions manage short-term financial needs. In 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a revised set of Gold Loan guidelines to improve transparency, borrower protection, and uniformity in lending practices. These updates are particularly relevant for anyone considering a Gold Loan, whether for personal emergencies, minor business requirements, or planned expenses.

Understanding RBI’s Tiered LTV Policy

RBI now follows a tiered loan-to-value (LTV) ratio based on the total loan amount. The LTV ratio indicates the percentage of the gold’s value that can be sanctioned as a loan. As per the latest framework:

Loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh: Maximum LTV capped at 85%
Loans between ₹2.5–₹5 Lakh: Maximum LTV capped at 80%
Loans above ₹5 Lakh: LTV restricted to 75%

This change encourages responsible lending and ensures that smaller borrowers can access slightly higher loan amounts relative to the value of gold pledged.

Assessment of Borrower Creditworthiness

While smaller loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh may be offered without detailed credit appraisals, any loan amount exceeding this threshold requires a thorough credit assessment of the borrower’s repayment capacity. This step protects financial institutions and borrowers alike by aligning loan disbursements with the borrower’s ability to repay. Loan renewals or top-up loans can only be sanctioned following such credit assessments and must remain within permissible LTV limits. Bullet repayment loans may only be renewed after accrued interest has been paid.

Valuation and Purity Checks

RBI mandates a standardised process for assaying the gold pledged as collateral. The valuation of the pledged metal must be based solely on its intrinsic value without including stones, gems, or other embellishments. The price used to assess the value of the collateral should reflect its actual purity (caratage). This value must be based on the lower of either the average closing price over the past 30 days or the closing price from the previous day. These prices should be sourced from either the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA) or a commodity exchange regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

If prices for a specific purity are unavailable, valuation should be adjusted proportionately based on the nearest available purity. The assaying procedure and valuation methodology must be consistent across all branches of a lender, and borrowers must be present during assaying. Deductions related to non-metallic components, such as stones or lac, should be explained and documented in a certificate issued to the borrower. The lender is required to issue this certificate in duplicate, one for its records and one for the borrower’s acknowledgement.

Ownership Documentation and Anti-Money Laundering Measures

Lenders are required to ascertain that the ownership of the pledged collateral is not doubtful. Where ownership documents such as purchase bills are unavailable, lenders should obtain a declaration from the borrower affirming rightful ownership. Further, multiple or frequent loans granted to a single borrower aggregating beyond a certain threshold must be closely monitored under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations to prevent misuse or fraud.

Restrictions on Collateral Use and Loan Tenure

The RBI prohibits lending against primary gold, such as financial assets backed by gold ETFs or mutual funds. Collateral that has been pledged to a lender must not be repledged or used to secure loans from other institutions. Additionally, the tenure of consumption loans structured as bullet repayments is capped at 12 months, though renewals are permissible by appropriate regulations.

Collateral Limits for Ornaments and Coins

To mitigate risks linked to collateral management, the maximum aggregate weight of gold ornaments pledged by a borrower should not exceed 1 kilogram. Similarly, limits apply to coins: 50 grams for gold coins.

Settlement, Auction Procedures, and Borrower Protection

Upon full repayment or settlement, lenders must release the pledged collateral within seven working days immediate release on the same day is encouraged wherever possible. Before auctioning pledged items due to non-repayment, lenders are required to notify borrowers or legal heirs, allowing a reasonable time for settlement. Auctions must be conducted transparently with adequate public notice, including advertisements in a regional language newspaper and a national daily. The collateral’s reserve price at auction must not fall below 90% of its current value, except after two failed auctions, where it may be reduced to 85%.

In instances of collateral loss, damage, or discrepancies observed during audits or returns, lenders are mandated to compensate borrowers or their legal heirs promptly. Moreover, if collateral release is delayed due to the lender’s reasons, compensation at the rate of ₹5,000 per day of delay must be made.

Lender Obligations and Disclosure

Loan agreements must comprehensively describe collateral, auction procedures, borrower rights for settlement, timelines for releasing collateral, and applicable charges related to assaying or auctioning. Communication must be provided in the borrower’s regional or preferred language. Lenders must also maintain proper infrastructure and security protocols to store collateral safely and restrict handling to authorised personnel. Periodic internal audits, surprise verification of pledged items, and regular reporting to supervisory boards on unclaimed collateral are essential components of compliance.

Ensuring Borrowers Benefit from Competitive Gold Loan Rates

For borrowers, obtaining the lowest Gold Loan rate requires careful attention to lender policies, transparency in valuation, and adherence to prescribed limits. A practical approach includes using an interest calculator for a Gold Loan to estimate monthly repayments and total interest payable based on the loan amount, LTV ratio, and tenure. This tool helps borrowers compare offers across lenders and choose the most economical option while ensuring loan terms comply with RBI regulations.

Conclusion

The RBI’s updated gold loan guidelines for 2025 contribute to a regulated, transparent, and secure credit system for pledged gold collateral. By setting clear limits on LTV ratios, collateral valuation, borrower assessment, equitable auction processes, and borrower protection measures. The Reserve Bank promotes trust and stability in gold-backed lending. Borrowers are advised to understand these provisions fully and utilise tools such as the interest calculator for a Gold Loan to make prudent borrowing decisions. Adhering to the RBI’s framework will help borrowers secure the lowest Gold Loan rate while protecting their interests throughout the loan lifecycle.

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ishasingh1699

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Finance

FAQs List of Coinbase Support SERVICE (24/7 Talk)

Published

14 hours ago

November 21, 2025

coinbasetollfree

Reviewed
By Lucy Coll

Coinbase-Customer-Service-Support-by-Phone-1858-765-8486

Introduction

In the event that one encounters difficulties with their Coinbase account be it transactional anomalies, access impediments, or concerns regarding digital security it becomes imperative to ascertain the proper channels through which support may be expeditiously solicited. Coinbase affords users a multiplicity of remedial avenues, encompassing a continuous, 24-hour telephonic assistance service.

A recurrent query among users pertains to the operational mechanics of this support, the optimal junctures for engagement, and the anticipated procedural outcomes. This compendium of frequently asked questions endeavors to furnish lucid elucidations to the most prevalent inquiries surrounding Coinbase’s customer service apparatus. Regardless of whether one is a neophyte to the cryptographic domain or a seasoned practitioner, this guide is designed to facilitate the acquisition of assistance with both alacrity and security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Coinbase Support Service (24/7 Talk)

Q1. What Is Coinbase’s 24/7 Talk Support?

Coinbase’s 24/7 talk support allows users to call a support agent at any time, day or night. This means if you have trouble with your account, a payment, or need help with security, you can reach a live person who can guide you through the issue. This service is useful for urgent matters that cannot wait for email or chat replies.

Q2. How Do I Reach Coinbase Support by Phone?

To call Coinbase support, you usually go through the Help Center on the Cryptocurrency exchange

website. There, you may find an option to “Request a Call” if phone support is available for your account and region. Once you click that, Coinbase arranges a support agent to call you back. This method ensures you are reaching the real support team and not giving your number to a random person.

Q3. Is the Coinbase 24/7 Number the Same for Everyone?

No, it may not be the same for every user. The number or call-back method you get depends on:

Your geographic location
Your account type (regular user, Coinbase Pro, Coinbase One)
The type of issue you raise
Because of this, Cryptocurrency exchange often uses dynamic call‑back options rather than listing a single global number for all users.

Q4. Is There a Direct Public Phone Number Listed for Coinbase 24/7 Support?

Coinbase no longer widely publishes a fixed public phone number for all customer service calls. Instead, it prefers users to go through its Help Center to request a call. This helps reduce fraud risk and ensures users connect with genuine support agents. Be careful of unofficial numbers circulating online, as they may be scams.

Q5. How Do I Request a Support Call Back From Coinbase?

To request a call back:

Go to Coinbase Help Center while logged into your account.
Find the category that matches your problem (for example, account issues, security, transactions).
Click on “Contact Us” or “Get Help.”
Select “Request a Call” if available for your issue.
Provide your phone number and submit the request.

Coinbase support will then call you back, usually within a short time.

Q6. Do I Need to Pay for Coinbase 24/7 Support Calls?

No, Coinbase does not charge users for support calls. The call-back service is part of its customer support, and legitimate calls from Coinbase support agents are free. But you should always make sure you are calling or receiving calls from the correct source to avoid fraudulent calls that may try to scam you.

Q7. What Kind of Issues Can Be Handled Over a 24/7 Call?

You can get help for many different issues:

Account access or login problems
Identity verification or KYC issues
Payment or deposit problems
Withdrawal delays or errors
Security concerns, like 2FA or phishing
Transaction status checks
Any urgent or complicated issue that needs live assistance

Some very technical questions might be escalated, but a 24/7 agent can help guide you or pass the case on as needed.

Q8. Is 24/7 Support Available for All Coinbase Users?

Not necessarily. While Coinbase does offer 24/7 support in many places, it depends on:

Your country or region
Your user level (some features may be limited for free or new accounts)
The type of support plan you have (for example, Coinbase One or premium users may get faster service)

Always check in the Help Center to confirm whether 24/7 call-back is offered for your account.

Q9. How Can I Prepare Before the Support Call?

Preparing well can make the call faster and more effective. Here are some tips:

Write down your issue clearly (what happened, when, and how)
Have your Coinbase-registered email or phone ready
Note any transaction IDs, transaction dates, or screenshots if you can
Keep your device nearby in case you need to log in or share information
Never share your password, private keys, or one-time codes

Being ready helps you get a helpful response faster.

Q10. How Long Does It Usually Take for the Support Agent to Call Back?

The wait time for a callback can vary based on how many users are asking for help, where you are, and what kind of problem you have. In many cases, you may get a return call within minutes or up to a few hours. For urgent or high-severity cases, the response tends to be faster.

Q11. What Should I Do If the Agent Asks for My Password or Private Key?

You should never share sensitive data like your password, private keys, or wallet seed phrase. Real Coinbase support agents will never ask for this kind of personal or security information. If anyone asks for these details, it is a red flag for fraud. Politely end the call and report the number or incident to Coinbase directly via their official help portal.

Q12. Can I Use 24/7 Support for Fraud or Scam Reports?

Yes. If you believe you are being targeted by a scam or if your account has been compromised, contacting Coinbase support via the call-back option is one of the best steps to take. A support agent can help you secure your account, pause transactions, or escalate the matter to Coinbase’s security team.

Conclusion

Coinbase’s 24/7 talk support is a vital lifeline for users who need help with urgent account issues, security concerns, or transaction problems. By understanding how the call-back system works, preparing in advance, and recognizing genuine agents, you can get the help you need quickly and safely. Remember never to share passwords or private keys, and always use Coinbase’s official Help Center to start the support process. With the right approach, you can navigate issues with confidence and make full use of Coinbase’s round‑the‑clock service.

Author

coinbasetollfree

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Finance

Full List of Coinbase Help Desk Number USA Numbers

Published

14 hours ago

November 21, 2025

coinbasetollfree

Reviewed
By Mila Parker

Introduction

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