The phrase "history repeats itself" is a common aphorism that suggests that events, behaviors, societal trends, or other aspects of human history tend to recur in different times and places. Essentially, it's a way of saying that despite technological, cultural, and societal advancements, people often make similar mistakes or follow similar patterns as those who have come before them.

This phrase is often used to convey a sense of inevitability or fatalism. It serves as a warning that we should learn from the past, because failing to do so can lead to the repetition of past mistakes.

However, it's important to note that the phrase is not meant to be taken literally. Each historical event is unique and shaped by a complex interplay of different factors. Therefore, history doesn't repeat itself in an exact manner. Instead, certain patterns and dynamics can reappear in different guises or under different circumstances.

It's also used as a way to stress the importance of studying and understanding history so we can recognize these patterns and ideally prevent negative outcomes from reoccurring. This is encapsulated in another popular saying: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

What Was Happening In 1987

The economy was in a relatively good state for most of 1987. This was part of a longer period of economic expansion that started in the early 1980s, following a deep recession in the late 1970s and early 80s. The GDP was growing, and unemployment was gradually decreasing.

However, on October 19, 1987, a date known as "Black Monday," the stock markets around the world crashed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped by **22.6% in a single day**.

The causes of the crash are still a matter of debate, but possible factors include high stock valuations, program trading, and international disputes about monetary policy.

In 1987, the United States faced a significant challenge in the form of a growing national debt.

The national debt at the time stood at around $2.34 trillion.

Moving On To The “Dot-Com” Era

During the dot-com period, which refers to the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a significant rise and subsequent crash in the investment markets. The dot-com bubble occurred as a result of excessive speculation and overvaluation of internet-based companies. Many investors were attracted to the potential of these new technology companies, leading to a surge in their stock prices. However, the valuations were often based on unrealistic expectations of future profits, and many of these companies had little or no earnings.

As the bubble grew, more and more investors poured money into dot-com stocks, causing their prices to skyrocket. However, in early 2000, the bubble burst, and the stock prices of many dot-com companies plummeted.

Numerous internet-based companies went bankrupt, and investors suffered significant losses. This period was marked by a decline in the overall stock market, particularly in the technology sector.

The dot-com bubble and subsequent crash had a profound impact on the investment markets, leading to increased scrutiny of technology companies and a more cautious approach to investing in the sector. It also served as a reminder of the risks associated with speculative investing and the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before making investment decisions.

A Perfect Storm: Investigating the Factors Behind the 2008 Investment Market Failure

The 2008 financial crisis, often referred to as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), was primarily caused by a combination of factors. One major factor was the bursting of the United States housing bubble, which led to a significant decline in the value of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and other financial assets tied to the housing market. This decline in asset values had a cascading effect on financial institutions, as many had invested heavily in these securities.

Other contributing factors included:

Subprime mortgage lending: The expansion of subprime mortgage lending, where loans were given to borrowers with poor creditworthiness, led to a high number of defaults and foreclosures when interest rates increased and housing prices declined.
Securitization and complex financial products: The packaging and selling of mortgage-backed securities and other complex financial products made it difficult to assess the underlying risks, leading to a lack of transparency and confidence in the financial system.
Excessive risk-taking and leverage: Financial institutions took on excessive risks by leveraging their capital, meaning they borrowed large amounts of money to invest, which amplified losses when the market declined.
Deterioration of lending standards: Lenders relaxed their lending standards, allowing borrowers to take on more debt than they could afford, leading to a higher number of defaults.
Lack of regulatory oversight: Regulatory agencies failed to adequately monitor and regulate the financial industry, allowing risky practices to go unchecked.

The combination of these factors resulted in a severe liquidity crisis, with many financial institutions facing insolvency or significant losses. This, in turn, had a widespread impact on the global economy, leading to a global recession.

In 2008, the United States found itself amidst a deep financial crisis that had far-reaching consequences for the national debt. The national debt at the time stood at approximately $10.7 trillion, placing an enormous burden on the country's economy.

As of July 2023, the US national debt stands at about $32.5 trillion, or about $97,358 for everybody in the U.S.

In 2008, the national debt was around $10.7 trillion.

This means that the national debt has increased by roughly $21.8 trillion over the past 15 years. The debt-to-GDP ratio, which compares the national debt to the size of the national economy, has also increased over this time period. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the debt-to-GDP ratio was 130.5%, meaning that the national debt was larger than the size of the national economy.

In contrast, the debt-to-GDP ratio was 69.7% in 2008

Moving On . . .

During historic times, patience plays a crucial role in navigating the uncertainties and complexities of transformative events. It is essential to recognize that significant shifts and disruptions take time to unfold and resolve. Patience allows individuals and businesses to make informed decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and weather the storms that often accompany historic periods.

Rushing into impulsive actions or succumbing to short-term thinking can lead to missed opportunities or costly mistakes. By cultivating patience, individuals can maintain a long-term perspective, exercise prudence in decision-making, and ultimately position themselves to thrive in the face of unprecedented economic challenges.