A significant sell-off in global stock markets has been attributed to a combination of factors, including a global scramble by hedge funds and weak US job numbers. The volatility, which began in mid-July, has led to a slowdown in US corporate bond market issuance, as some issuers delay sales in favor of safer US investments. Additionally, volatility-linked funds have contributed to the market downturn, with $150 billion in sales exacerbating losses. Some of the world's biggest equity hedge funds lost hundreds of millions of dollars during this period. The situation has put 'buffer' ETFs, which offer protection against market swings, in the spotlight. Analysts suggest that the selling pressure from these funds may be easing.