What was the 2000–2002 stock-market collapse of internet companies commonly called?

The 2000–2002 stock-market collapse of internet companies was commonly called the dot-com crash.

It followed the dot-com bubble, a period when investors placed exceptionally high valuations on internet-related businesses. Many companies had limited revenue or no profits, yet their shares rose rapidly as investors expected the internet to transform commerce and communication.

The Nasdaq Composite reached a closing peak of 5,048.62 on 10 March 2000. It then fell sharply as investors reassessed technology valuations, interest rates rose and many highly speculative companies failed. By October 2002, the index had lost roughly 78% from its peak.

The crash did not mean that the internet itself had failed. Companies with durable business models eventually became major firms, while many speculative ventures disappeared. The dot-com crash is therefore distinct from the 2008 financial crisis, which centered heavily on credit, housing and banking-system stress.