Which technology-focused market index lost about 78% from its 2000 peak to its 2002 low?

The technology-focused market index that lost about 78% from its 2000 peak to its 2002 low was the Nasdaq Composite.

The Nasdaq Composite peaked at 5,048.62 on March 10, 2000, after years of enthusiasm for internet and technology companies. Many businesses had high valuations despite limited profits, and investors expected rapid growth to continue.

When expectations weakened, technology shares fell sharply. The index reached a low of 1,114.11 on October 9, 2002, a decline of roughly 78% from its peak. The collapse is commonly called the dot-com crash or dot-com bubble burst.

The Nasdaq was not the only market affected. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also declined, but their losses were less concentrated in technology. The crash reflected both excessive valuations and the failure of many internet companies, not simply one event or one bankruptcy.