Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-13 00:58Overview - The article discusses the parallels between the current AI investment climate and the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s, emphasizing the importance of understanding the timing and scale of market bubbles to identify trading opportunities [3][6]. Market Dynamics - The Nasdaq index experienced significant volatility from 1995 to 2000, with annual declines exceeding 10% or even 20%, yet the market did not enter a bear market, demonstrating resilience [6]. - The tech sector saw a surge in IPOs starting in 1995, peaking in 1999, with the Nasdaq reaching a record high of 5048.62 on March 10, 2000, before a global sell-off triggered by Japan's economic downturn [3][6]. Economic Factors - Two key economic features during this period were rapid increases in labor productivity and a boom in tech investments, which led to a contraction in output gaps and a failure of the Phillips curve, as inflation did not rise despite declining unemployment [8]. - The Federal Reserve's monetary policy shifted from a focus on controlling inflation in the 1980s to a more flexible approach in the 1990s, allowing for a more accommodative stance that supported economic growth [11]. Policy Changes - The Federal Reserve under Alan Greenspan adopted a more lenient monetary policy framework, focusing on both inflation and employment while being cautious about raising interest rates despite rising productivity [11][12]. - Greenspan's evolving views on asset prices included warnings about "irrational exuberance" in 1996, but he maintained that monetary policy should not excessively intervene in asset markets [12]. Industry Developments - The period from 1995 to 1997 marked the beginning of the internet boom, with significant policy changes, such as the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which facilitated the establishment of a unified national internet market and spurred a wave of mergers and acquisitions [14][17]. - The telecommunications sector was a major driver of investment, with a significant portion of capital allocated to communication equipment, reflecting the industry's growth and the increasing importance of internet infrastructure [33]. Investment Trends - The late 1990s saw a surge in speculative investment activities, particularly in the tech sector, with companies relying heavily on external financing and aggressive revenue recognition practices [32][36]. - The "new economy" narrative was supported by a closed-loop mechanism where internet companies drove investment, service providers facilitated capital expenditures, and equipment manufacturers confirmed revenues, creating a cycle of growth [35][36]. Financial Risks - High levels of debt among telecommunications service providers led to a series of bankruptcies in the early 2000s, revealing the vulnerabilities within the sector and the potential for a cascading financial crisis [45]. - The aggressive financing practices, such as vendor financing, contributed to a cycle of increasing debt and financial instability, reminiscent of the dynamics seen in the subprime mortgage crisis [39][41].