Panic is slowly gripping the stock market. Expect the selling to pick up next week. - MarketWatch

Signals from the options market and concentrated shorts suggest growing panic and vulnerability in stocks, and the deeper S&P decline amplifies that risk. With the S&P off 7.4% since the Iran conflict began—larger than the historical median—systematic funds trimming exposure could accelerate selling and push losses further. Goldman Sachs’ recent recommendation of options hedges in materials, tech and energy highlights how crowded bullish positioning is prompting professional managers to seek targeted protection.