Sinking Turkish Lira, Indian Rupee Fuel Fears of Contagion

While some emerging markets crises spread, others remain contained. It is still unclear which type Turkey’s is

On Friday, Aug. 10, President Donald Trump announced he would double steel and aluminum tariffs on Turkey. The WSJ's Gerald F. Seib explains how this political move could backfire. Photo: Getty

Sharp declines in the Turkish lira, Indian rupee and other currencies have raised the prospect of a self-reinforcing flight from riskier emerging markets.

While the lira recovered slightly on Tuesday, and so did many peers, India’s currency tumbled past 70 per dollar, a historic low. Across the world, the Argentine peso fell another 2.1%, even after an emergency increase in interest rates to 45% from 40%.

The...