“Three large explosions from the sun over the past few days have prompted U.S. government scientists to caution users of satellite, telecommunications and electric equipment to prepare for possible disruptions” (from Slashdot).

That’s it. That explains it. Everyone is just affected by the pesky magnetic fields. Why S&P should be any different? “Mommy, I lost $2 trillion, because the Sun flare burnt my homework” seems like a valid excuse now 🙂