On February 13, 1997, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closes above 7,000 points for the first time, creating a wave of excitement among investors and analysts who herald it as a sign of a "new era" for the economy. The 1990s in America is characterized by explosive growth, low inflation, increasing productivity, and the transformative effects of the internet beginning to reshape businesses and daily life. The soaring stock market, driven largely by investments in technology and startups, fosters a sense of invincibility among investors.

This milestone of crossing 7,000 points isn't just a numerical achievement; it represents a psychological barrier that signifies the success of the so-called "New Economy." Capital is flowing into technology stocks, and companies with '.com' suffixes are gaining astronomical valuations, which cultivates an atmosphere of euphoria, especially around the Nasdaq composite. However, the underlying economic conditions, marked by low interest rates and fast-pacing technological advancements, may not reveal the brewing crisis beneath the surface that many analysts fail to recognize at this time.

As the internet moves from being a mere experiment to a promising reality, it heralds the dawn of the dot-com era. Companies are rapidly embracing the '.com' domain to capitalize on this new wave of technological optimism, leading to a frenzy of initial public offerings (IPOs) and speculative investments. Despite the outward appearance of stability and growth, crucial warning signs of an economic bubble are looming, suggesting that the future may hold unforeseen challenges for the markets and economy as a whole.