On November 14, US stock markets declined sharply, with the S&P 500 down 0.8%, Nasdaq 100 falling 1%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 1.1%. The sell-off came as concerns grew that the Federal Reserve might pause its planned interest rate cuts in December. Persistent weak economic data fueled market volatility, with the VIX index rising above 22. The downturn followed earlier declines in October when hawkish Fed comments reduced the perceived probability of rate cuts and pressured both stocks and Bitcoin below $100,000.