Global stocks hit a new record high

Happy days are here again on the Nasdaq
(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

On Thursday, the Nasdaq Composite Index hit a new high, 5056.06, breaking a record set 15 years ago, on March 10, 2000. Soon after reaching that peak, the tech-heavy stock index deflated 78 percent alongside the dot-com bubble. (The Wall Street Journal has a nifty interactive feature to relive the Nasdaq roller coaster, literally.)

But the Nasdaq isn't the only bourse where happy days are here again. On Friday, the MSCI All-Country World index also hit a record high, 441.1 points, buoyed by positive corporate earnings in Europe, optimism that Greece won't default on its debt after all, and rising oil prices. At least when it comes to the Nasdaq, financial analysts say this new peak is different from the last, since the companies on the exchange are profitable and more established now. So, if you're skeptical of Wall Street analysts, you might start looking for alternate investments.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up
Explore More
Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.