The Tulip Bubble

Episode 4 of Crashes and Crises: Lessons from a History of Financial Disasters

The 17th-century tulip bubble is a classic case of futures trading run amok. But how much did tulip mania resemble today's speculative markets, as opposed to ordinary gambling? Learn the truth behind this notorious financial bubble, while reflecting on the problem of deciding a fair price for an asset, such as tulip bulbs. Also, consider how bubbles start and end.