What Is a Bull Market?
Bull markets are when most investors build their wealth. Understanding their characteristics helps you stay invested during the best times to own stocks.
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A bull market is a sustained rise in stock prices, typically 20% or more from recent lows. Investor optimism dominates, the economy is usually growing, and corporate earnings are strong.
Real-world example: The 2009-2020 bull market roughly quintupled the S&P 500 before COVID ended the run — the longest in US history.
Explore more terms in our comprehensive Financial Glossary with 140+ terms explained in plain English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is understanding a Bull Market important for investors?
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Knowing what a Bull Market means helps you make better financial decisions, read investment news with confidence, and avoid common mistakes. Financial literacy is the foundation of successful investing — understanding concepts like a Bull Market puts you ahead of most individual investors.
How does a Bull Market relate to everyday personal finance?
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a Bull Market isn't just Wall Street jargon — it directly impacts how your money grows (or doesn't). Whether you're managing a 401(k), evaluating a savings account, or considering an investment, understanding a Bull Market helps you make choices that align with your financial goals.
Where can I learn more about markets concepts?
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Our Financial Glossary covers 140+ terms across investing, retirement, taxes, credit, crypto, and budgeting — all explained in plain English with real-world examples. You can also use our calculators to see these concepts in action with your own numbers.