What was the main U.S. technology stock index at the center of the dot-com crash?

The Nasdaq Composite was the main U.S. technology stock index at the center of the dot-com crash.

During the late 1990s, investors poured money into internet and technology companies, many of which had little revenue or no profits. Because the Nasdaq included a large concentration of technology and communications firms, it became the clearest measure of the boom’s rise and collapse.

The index reached a closing peak of 5,048.62 on March 10, 2000. It then fell sharply as investors questioned unrealistic valuations, weak business models, and heavy spending by internet startups. The decline continued for years, with the Nasdaq losing roughly 78% from its peak to its October 2002 low.

The Nasdaq Composite is not itself a company or a stock exchange; it is a market index of thousands of securities listed on the Nasdaq exchange. The dot-com crash also affected broader indexes, but technology shares experienced the most dramatic damage.