September 24

In 1869, speculators Jay Gould and James Fisk attempted to monopolize the U.S. gold market, driving prices to unprecedented highs. On September 24, President Ulysses S. Grant intervened by directing the Treasury to release massive quantities of government-held gold. The sudden influx caused gold prices to plummet, triggering widespread panic and financial losses. The episode, known as Black Friday, exposed vulnerabilities in the American financial system and tarnished the conspirators’ reputations. It also demonstrated the federal government’s power to stabilize markets and influenced future Wall Street regulations. The crisis had lasting repercussions on investor confidence and led to increased scrutiny of market manipulation.

Cathay Pacific Airways was established in Hong Kong on September 24, 1946, by American entrepreneur Roy C. Farrell and Australian Sydney H. de Kantzow. Starting with a single Douglas DC-3 aircraft, it initially provided cargo and passenger services between Hong Kong and Shanghai. The airline expanded rapidly, pioneering routes across Asia and later to Europe and North America. Known for its distinctive green brushwing logo and high-quality service, Cathay Pacific set industry standards in safety and hospitality. Today, it operates flights to more than 190 destinations worldwide and remains a cornerstone of global aviation.

On September 24, 1948, Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa established the Honda Motor Company in Hamamatsu, Japan. Initially focusing on motorized bicycle engines, the company soon expanded into full-scale motorcycle production with models like the Dream D-Type. By the 1960s, Honda had become the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer and set multiple land-speed records. The firm entered the automobile industry in 1963 with the T360 pickup and S500 sports car, challenging established competitors. Honda's commitment to innovation led to breakthroughs in fuel-efficient engines and safety features. Today, Honda Motor Company is a global powerhouse in automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, celebrated for its technological excellence and reliability.

The third G20 summit convened in Pittsburgh on September 24, 2009, as the world grappled with recession fallout. Leaders from 30 nations and the European Union met to coordinate responses to financial instability and promote economic recovery. Key topics included banking regulation reforms, debt reduction strategies, and trade policies to spur growth. The summit produced the Pittsburgh Action Plan, outlining commitments to fiscal measures and international cooperation. It signaled a shift toward more inclusive global economic governance following the crisis.