Global seismic monitoring by the USGS shows no magnitude 7.0 or greater earthquakes since the 7.4 event off Japan on April 20, 2026, following a cluster that included a 7.5 near Tonga in March and a 7.4 in Indonesia during early April. Earthquakes of this scale occur globally at an average rate of roughly 15–20 per year, driven by tectonic plate boundaries where accumulated strain releases suddenly along faults. Current activity remains elevated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, with recent magnitude 5–6 events near Vanuatu and Taiwan reflecting ongoing subduction zone stress. Traders watch for updates from USGS real-time catalogs and any new model runs assessing aftershock potential or regional strain accumulation, as these data directly inform whether a qualifying event will register before the market’s resolution date.