Major Stock Market Crashes Explained (1991–2022)

 

Stock markets rise slowly but fall fast.
History shows us that every major crash feels like the end… but recovery always happens.

This article summarizes the four biggest market falls discussed in the transcript:

  1. Harshad Mehta Crash (1992–93)
  2. Dot-com Bubble Crash (2000–01)
  3. Global Financial Crisis – Lehman Brothers Collapse (2008–09)
  4. COVID-19 Crash (2020)

    You’ll understand:

    • Why markets fell
    • How much they fell
    • How long recovery took
    • What patterns repeat every time


      1. Harshad Mehta Scam (1992–1993)

      Cause: Stock manipulation using banking loopholes
      Nature: India’s first major modern financial shock

      Market Behaviour

      • Rise → massive (1991–1992)
      • Crash → sudden and sharp
      • Recovery → ~2 years

        Key Learnings

        • First time Indian investors saw extreme manipulation
        • Confidence shaken but markets eventually recovered
        • Pattern established: sharp fall, slow recovery


          2. Dot-com Bubble Burst (2000–2001)

          Cause: Overvaluation of tech/internet companies in US
          Impact on India: Sentiment-driven crash in IT stocks
          Recovery Time: ~2 years

          Market Behaviour

          • Nifty/Sensex peaked
          • Fell sharply
          • Recovered in about two years

            Key Insight

            This was the second time India saw a massive correction followed by a 2-year recovery — a repeating pattern.


            3. Global Financial Crisis / Lehman Brothers Collapse (2008–2009)

            What Happened?

            • Lehman Brothers (US financial giant) collapsed overnight
            • Comparable to ICICI + HDFC shutting down at once
            • Led to global panic

            India also faced:

            • Satyam scam (2008)
            • Huge unemployment
            • Market-wide lower circuits

              Market Numbers

              Bull Run Before Crash (2004–2008):
              Sensex → 6,000 to ~21,000
              Crash:
              21,000 → ~8,000
              Recovery:
              Again took ~2 years (2009–2011)

                Key Observations

                ✔ Massive fall (~60%)
                ✔ Recovery time again close to 2 years
                ✔ Pattern repeated for the 3rd time


                4. Pre-COVID Bull Run (2012–2020)

                Before COVID, India saw a long consolidation + bull run:

                YearSensex Level
                2012~20,000
                2020 (pre-COVID)~42,000

                This rise took ~8 years.


                5. COVID-19 Crash (2020)

                Market Behaviour

                • High: ~42,000
                • Low: ~25,000
                • Fall: Extremely sharp
                • Recovery: Unbelievably fast (< 1 year)

                  Why fast recovery?

                  • Algo trading
                  • High liquidity
                  • Faster global coordination
                  • Machines → no emotions
                  • Strong FOMO by retail investors


                    Full Pattern Observed (1991–2022)

                    EventFallRecovery Time
                    Harshad Mehta (1992–93)Big~2 years
                    Dot-com (2000–01)Big~2 years
                    GFC / Lehman (2008–09)Huge (60%)~2 years
                    COVID Crash (2020)Sharp< 1 year

                    Why Future Recoveries Will Be Faster

                    • Algo trading → quicker reactions
                    • Machine decisions → no emotions
                    • High liquidity
                    • More participation by global and domestic investors
                    • Structural economic strength

                      Result

                      ✔ Falls will be sharper
                      ✔ Recoveries will also be sharper
                      ✔ Reaction time for investors will be much less


                      Important Technical Analysis Insight

                      What we just studied is technical analysis:

                      “Past price behaviour helps us estimate future possibilities.”

                      We’re not predicting the future—we’re identifying patterns.


                      Major Takeaways for Investors

                      ✔ 1. Crashes are normal

                      Every decade brings a major fall.

                      ✔ 2. Markets always recover

                      History shows 2 years average recovery except COVID (<1 year).

                      ✔ 3. Don’t panic sell

                      Short-term fear leads to long-term regret.

                      ✔ 4. Protect capital

                      Even if you miss some profits, protect your capital first.

                      ✔ 5. Don’t overreact

                      Every crash feels like the worst-ever…
                      But the past 30 years show recoveries are guaranteed.


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