What was the name of the U.S. technology-stock crash that began in March 2000?

The U.S. technology-stock crash that began in March 2000 was the dot-com crash.

The decline followed the bursting of the dot-com bubble, a period when investors assigned very high values to internet-related companies. Many businesses had limited revenue or no profits, yet their shares rose rapidly because investors expected enormous future growth. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite reached a peak of 5,048.62 on March 10, 2000.

After that peak, technology shares fell as investors reassessed earnings prospects, interest rates, and the sustainability of speculative valuations. The Nasdaq ultimately lost about 78% of its value from its 2000 peak to its October 2002 low. Numerous internet companies failed, while surviving firms faced years of restructuring.

The dot-com crash is distinct from the 2008 financial crisis. It centered first on technology-company valuations and venture investment, whereas the later crisis was driven largely by housing finance, mortgage securities, and banking-system stress.