7. Oct. 27, 1997
Close: 7,161.14
Net loss: 554.26
Percentage change: -7.18

In 1997, the collapse of Thailand's currency spawned a financial crisis that would engulf Asia and roil markets in the United States and Europe. On October 27, a worldwide stock decline began in Hong Kong and moved west. Stock prices fell so fast that they triggered the New York Stock Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules, which halt trading during steep drops.

Here, a trader at the NYSE reacted to falling prices before trading was halted.

To read more click here.