Which stock index’s collapse marked the center of the 2000–2002 dot-com crash?

The Nasdaq Composite’s collapse marked the center of the 2000–2002 dot-com crash.

The index was heavily weighted toward technology and internet companies, many of which had little revenue or no profits but attracted large investments. The Nasdaq Composite reached an intraday peak of 5,132.52 on March 10, 2000.

After investors reassessed unrealistic valuations, technology shares fell sharply. The Nasdaq lost roughly 78 percent from its peak to its October 2002 low. The decline affected venture capital, advertising, telecommunications, and technology employment across the wider economy.

The dot-com crash was not simply the failure of every internet company. Several businesses with durable models survived or later became major firms. The important distinction is between the speculative bubble in technology valuations and the longer-term growth of internet commerce.