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Bull versus bear markets explained

A bull market is a market that is characterized by rising prices. This means that stocks are generally going up in value. A bear market is a market that is characterized by falling prices. This means that stocks are generally going down in value.

Bull and bear markets are named after the animals they resemble. A bull charges forward with its head down, which is similar to the way that stocks go up in a bull market. A bear swipes at its prey with its claws, which is similar to the way that stocks go down in a bear market.

The way we typically quantify a bear versus a bull market is fairly simple (and follows a pattern):
  • When the market hits a local low, and then rises 20% or more, relative to that low, this is a bull
  • When the market hits a local high, and then falls 20% or more, relative to that high, this is a bear.

Bull and bear markets can last for different lengths of time. Some bull markets have lasted for years, while some bear markets have only lasted for months. It is impossible to predict how long a bull or bear market will last. However, in general, bull markets last longer, and make much bigger gains, than bear markets last and make losses.

Take a look at this graphic (which you can find at https://korvingco.wordpress.com/2015/11/03/bull-and-bear-markets-a-history/) and notice the difference between the lengths, and magnitudes of gains or losses, of each type of market, in the scope of the chart:

The chart gives you a color code: blue gains happened during a bull market, and orange losses happened during a bear. Further, you have access to how long each was (notice, again, how much longer bulls are, in general), how much each returned overall (notice those changes were much more significant for bulls than bears) and per year, between the mid-1920s and mid-2010s.



It is important to remember that bull and bear markets are a normal part of the stock market. They are not something to be feared, but they are something to be aware of. If you are investing in the stock market, it is important to have a long-term investment horizon and to be prepared for both bull and bear markets.

Here are some tips for investing in a bull or bear market:
  1. In a bull market, it is important to stay invested and ride the wave of rising prices. However, it is also important to be cautious and to take profits when they are available.
  2. In a bear market, it is important to stay calm and not panic. It is also important to remember that bear markets are a normal part of the stock market and that they will eventually end.
  3. But as always, talk to a financial advisor if you have questions about how you're invested, given the current market conditions and your expectations of how they'll change in either the short or long term.

Investing in the stock market can be a great way to grow your wealth over time. However, it is important to understand the risks involved and to be prepared for both bull and bear markets. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in the stock market.


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