What was the 2000–2002 collapse of technology shares after the internet boom called?

The 2000–2002 collapse of technology shares after the internet boom was called the Dot-com crash.

The crash followed a speculative boom in internet-related companies during the late 1990s. Investors assigned very high valuations to businesses with unproven revenue models, while easy access to capital and enthusiasm about the commercial internet encouraged rapid share-price increases. The Nasdaq Composite reached 5,048.62 on March 10, 2000.

After confidence weakened, technology shares fell sharply. Many internet startups failed, while established companies lost substantial market value. The Nasdaq ultimately declined about 78% from its peak to its October 2002 low. The downturn was amplified by slowing investment and the 2001 recession.

The dot-com crash is often confused with the broader Dot-com bubble. The bubble describes the buildup in valuations; the crash describes the subsequent collapse. It also differs from the 2008 crisis, which centered on housing finance, mortgage credit, and the banking system.