A flash crash is a sudden and rapid decline in the price of an asset or security, often caused by high-frequency trading algorithms that exacerbate small market movements. The term was coined after the 2010 Flash Crash when the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted nearly 1,000 points within minutes before rebounding just as quickly. While the cause of flash crashes is often unclear and may involve a combination of factors such as algorithmic trading, market volatility or economic news, they can have significant consequences for investors and markets alike.