How Stock Market Bubbles Work

Stock Market Bubbles

Every time the stock market goes on an extended bull run, fears of a bubble begin to creep in. Stock market bubbles have the potential to wipe out enormous gains when they pop. So, it’s important for traders to be able to recognize them and to know how to trade when a bubble is present.

In this guide, we’ll explain how stock market bubbles commonly work, how to spot the likely signs of a market bubble, and how you can approach trading in the midst of a bubble.

What is a Stock Market Bubble?

A stock market bubble occurs anytime the value of the stock market grows out of control. During a market bubble, the valuations of many companies expand beyond what many investors would consider reasonable.

What is a Stock Market Bubble

This situation is referred to as a bubble because it typically grows slowly over time as share prices and valuations rise. Then, like a bubble popping, the market falls rapidly and all at once.

When a market bubble pops, the decline can be a short-lived correction back to more sustainable price levels or the beginning of a long-term bear market. Whether the decline is temporary or lasting largely depends on broader economic conditions.

How Does a Stock Market Bubble Happen?

Stock Market Bubble Phases

Stock market bubbles follow a common cycle with five phases:

Phase 1: Catalyst

During the catalyst or trigger phase something new and exciting kicks off a round of investment. The catalyst can be the development of a new industry (for example, the growth of the tech industry) or a widespread shift in the economy (for example, the COVID-19 pandemic). 

Phase 2: Hype

During the hype phase, news of the catalyst spreads and people begin to invest in the market, pushing prices higher.

Phase 3: Euphoria and Greed

As early investors see strong returns, they double down and encourage their family, friends, and colleagues to invest. This in turn encourages more people to pile into the market with increasing amounts of money. 

At some point, prices begin to rise past a reasonable point. But investors ignore this since they are continuing to reap returns as more people enter the market. It is at this point that a market bubble has fully formed.

Phase 4: Profit-taking

The profit-taking phase occurs as the bubble is nearing its end. Investors begin to get nervous about sky-high prices and begin selling some or all of their holdings to realize their profits. In some cases, the profit-taking phase may be kicked off by negative catalysts, such as weak earnings or economic reports.

Phase 5: Panic

The panic phase is when a market bubble pops. Once profit-taking begins, prices start to drop. That induces panic among investors who are still heavily invested in the market, and they start to sell. As the pace of selling picks up, panic sets in and there is a rush among investors to sell, causing prices to plummet. 

Examples of Stock Market Bubbles

There have been a handful of stock market bubbles in recent history.

One of the most well-known is the dot-com bubble, which occurred from around 1995 to 2002. The catalyst was the development of internet companies, and euphoric buying drove the NASDAQ up from 1,000 in 1995 to more than 5,000 by the time profit-taking and panic selling set in.

The onset of the Great Depression was also the popping of a stock market bubble. From 1921 to 1929, the Dow Jones Industrial Average grew by nearly 500%. The bubble’s popping was swift and severe – by mid-1932, the index had fallen below its 1921 level. 

Stock Market Bubbles vs. Legitimate Bull Markets

It can be difficult to differentiate a stock market bubble from a legitimate bull market that is driven by fundamentals rather than euphoria. However, there are a few indicators that traders should look for.

First, it’s important to determine what is driving the market forward. Real growth in businesses – in revenue, profits, and markets – is the foundation of a lasting bull market. Widespread hype over businesses that have not fundamentally advanced is a sign of a forming bubble.

In addition, traders should consider what investors generally are expecting in terms of future growth. Slow and steady growth is much more likely to be sustainable than exponential growth. If investors expect ever-accelerating growth, they’re likely to be disappointed eventually and that can set off a wave of selling.

Stock Market Bubbles vs Bull Markets

How to Spot a Stock Market Bubble

The best way for traders to spot a stock market bubble is to look for signs of hype, euphoria, and greed.

If growth expectations for many companies are increasing while the performance of those companies isn’t, it’s likely that investors are in a state of euphoria. Unrealistic valuations – indicated by high price-to-earnings and price-to-sales ratios – are a strong indicator of a bubble.

Traders should also watch out for more people piling into the market. A bubble may be likely if many people who have not invested before or who are investing solely based on emotion begin buying stocks.

How to Trade During a Stock Market Bubble

Stock market bubbles can present many opportunities for trading, especially since stocks are often highly volatile during the hype and euphoria phases of a bubble. Bubbles can continue expanding for a long time, and they often last far longer than market observers expect.

However, it’s important for traders to be aware of the bubble and to know that it is likely to pop at some point. Especially as valuations reach unreasonable levels, traders may want to consider minimizing their overall risk by limiting the amount of money they’re trading with at any time or reducing the timescale of their positions.

Conclusion

Stock market bubbles form when investors enter the market and drive up prices beyond reasonable or sustainable levels. When a bubble pops, the decline in prices can be rapid and significant. For traders, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a bubble and to tread carefully in the market as a bubble grows in size.


The information contained herein is intended as informational only and should not be considered as a recommendation of any sort. Every trader has a different risk tolerance and you should consider your own tolerance and financial situation before engaging in day trading. Day trading can result in a total loss of capital. Short selling and margin trading can significantly increase your risk and even result in debt owed to your broker. Please review our day trading risk disclosuremargin disclosure, and trading fees for more information on the risks and fees associated with trading.

Related Content

Head and Shoulders Chart Patterns

Head and Shoulders Chart Patterns

A head and shoulders chart pattern typically indicates a reversal at the end of an uptrend. It includes three peaks with troughs between them and can be followed by a significant breakdown. In this guide, we’ll highlight what traders need to know about head and...

How Do Market Makers Make Money?

How Do Market Makers Make Money?

If you've ever traded stocks, you've probably used a market maker. Market makers are the middlemen of the stock market, and in most cases, these are firms, individuals, and or large corporations that facilitate transactions. For example, if you wanted to buy shares...

How Long Can You Hold a Short Position?

How Long Can You Hold a Short Position?

Investors can hold onto long positions for years or even decades without running into problems. But most short positions are much shorter in duration – a few months to a few years at most. There are several practical limitations that limit how much time traders can...

How to Interpret Level 2 Data

How to Interpret Level 2 Data

Level 2 data is important for traders because it shows the full range of open orders for a stock, not just the current best bid and ask price. Using Level 2 data, you can identify potential trades before they become apparent on technical charts or get additional...

Doji Candlestick Patterns

Doji Candlestick Patterns

A Doji is a type of candlestick pattern that often indicates a coming price reversal. This pattern consists of a single candlestick with a nearly identical open and close. In this guide, we’ll explain what the doji candlestick is and how traders can interpret it. How...

How Does Inflation Affect the Stock Market?

How Does Inflation Affect the Stock Market?

Inflation can have a big impact on the stock market, leaving unprepared investors in for a bumpy ride. In this article, we’ll explain why inflation impacts the stock market and take a closer look at how the stock market has reacted to inflation in the past. What is...