How Does a Flash Crash Affect the Relationship between Volume and Spread?

During a flash crash, prices plummet rapidly, often triggered by automated selling or a sudden shock. This event is characterized by extremely high, panic-driven volume.

However, the bid-offer spread widens dramatically because market makers temporarily withdraw their bids or widen them severely due to extreme risk and uncertainty, leading to a temporary collapse of liquidity despite the high volume of transactions.

How Do Market Makers Address Low Liquidity?
What Is the Role of a ‘Market Maker’ in Reducing Slippage on an Exchange?
How Does Regulatory Uncertainty Affect the Willingness of Market Makers to Tighten Spreads?
How Does the Sudden Loss of Confidence in a Stablecoin Impact Market Makers on an Exchange?
How Does the Risk of “Adverse Selection” Affect a Market Maker’s Quoted Spread?
How Does the Presence of Market Makers Enhance Liquidity in Standardized Options?
Does the Bid-Offer Spread on an Option Typically Widen or Narrow as the Option Approaches Expiration?
How Does Front-Running Risk Affect the Bid-Ask Spread for Crypto Derivatives?

Glossar