The stock market is in sell-off mode at the moment, in an apparent continuation of what was a dismal year in 2022. Investors have been grappling with the effects of elevated inflation, which topped a 40-year high last June and sent interest rates climbing rapidly. 

Consumers have ultimately been left with a weaker financial position, which means less spending, and therefore less revenue for businesses. In that context, it's no surprise that the benchmark S&P 500 stock market index is down more than 20% from its all-time high. 

But a new headwind emerged last week with the collapse of SVB Financial, the owner of Silicon Valley Bank. It sent the financial sector into a tailspin, and investors are still assessing the damage.

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Source Fool.com