How can the bursting of an asset-price bubble in the stock market help trigger a financial crisis?

The bursting of an asset-price bubble in the stock market can trigger a financial crisis in several ways:

1. Loss of Investor Confidence: When a bubble bursts, it can lead to a significant drop in stock prices. This can cause panic among investors, leading to a sell-off of stocks which further depresses prices. This loss of confidence can spread to other parts of the economy, causing a general economic downturn.

2. Impact on Businesses: Companies often rely on their stock's value for various reasons such as raising capital, paying employees with stock options, etc. A significant drop in stock prices can therefore affect their operations and even lead to bankruptcy in some cases.

3. Impact on Banks and Financial Institutions: Banks and other financial institutions often invest heavily in the stock market. A crash can therefore lead to significant losses for these institutions. Moreover, if these institutions have lent money to investors to buy stocks, the drop in stock prices can lead to a rise in loan defaults. This can strain the financial system and even lead to a banking crisis.

4. Wealth Effect: The stock market often contributes to a significant portion of people's wealth. A crash can therefore lead to a decrease in consumer spending, which can further depress the economy.

5. Policy Response: The response of policy makers to a stock market crash can also contribute to a financial crisis. For example, if policy makers respond by tightening monetary policy, it can lead to a decrease in lending and a further slowdown in the economy.

In conclusion, the bursting of an asset-price bubble in the stock market can trigger a financial crisis by causing a loss of investor confidence, impacting businesses and financial institutions, decreasing consumer spending, and potentially leading to a poor policy response.