What Is Bull Market?
A period of rising stock prices, typically defined as a 20%+ gain from recent lows.
The Full Definition
A bull market is a sustained period of rising stock prices, generally defined as a gain of 20% or more from a recent low, lasting at least two months. Bull markets are characterized by investor optimism, strong economic data, and rising corporate earnings. The longest bull market in US history ran from 2009 to 2020. While bull markets feel comfortable, they're also when valuations stretch and complacency sets in — the seeds of the next correction.
Real-World Example
The S&P 500's run from March 2009 lows to the February 2020 peak represented a gain of over 400% — one of the most powerful bull markets in history, driven by recovering earnings, low interest rates, and technological growth.