Do Stock Market Fluctuations Affect Suicide Rates?

This paper uncovers a new influential factor driving suicidal behavior. Using an international sample, we document a robust and significant inverse relationship between stock market returns and the percentage increase in suicide rates. Trends in suicides are affected by market fluctuations both contemporaneously and at a lag. This predictive quality of stock returns offers the potential to implement pro-active suicide prevention strategies for those who could be affected by the vagaries of the market and general economic downturns.