What's a bull market and a bear market?

Bull market: rising prices

A bull market is a prolonged period (typically at least several months) when stock prices rise and investor confidence is high. Economic growth, earnings, and sentiment all tend to be positive. Bull markets can last years.

Bear market: falling prices

A bear market is when prices fall 20% or more from recent highs, usually over months or longer. Investor fear, economic slowdown, or negative news can trigger it. Bear markets are normal, though uncomfortable to experience.

Why the names?

The origin is debated, but "bull" suggests optimism and forward momentum, while "bear" suggests defensive swipes backward. Corrections (drops of 10–20%) happen frequently; bear markets (20%+ drops) are rarer and often unexpected when they arrive.