What is a bull market?

We explain what a 'bull market' means

A bull market is generally defined by a 20 per cent rise in the stock market that takes place after a 20 per cent drop in the market.

This is not a precise definition and ‘bull market’ is often used to describe a situation in which investors are upbeat, putting a lot of money into stocks and think that the economy is going to perform well for the foreseeable future.

Though it’s usually used in the context of the stock market, ‘bull market’ can be used to describe almost any area of investment. You might have a ‘real estate bull market’ or a ‘bull market in the fine wine industry.’

The term ‘bullish’ is also derived from ‘bull market.’ To be ‘bullish’ about a particular stock, industry or market just means that you are confident that it’s going to perform well and increase in value.

More terms

Hedge Fund

Investment funds that are often associated with riskier and shorter-term trading strategies.
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Forward pricing

Mutual funds are traded on a forward pricing basis, meaning the price you see will be different to the price you may trade at.
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Dirty price

The total price payable on the purchase of a gilt. It’s calculated as the clean price plus accrued interest.
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Yield curve

A graphical representation of interest rates over time
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Earnings per share

We look at what earnings per share mean and how to calculate it
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Securities

Bonds and stocks.
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Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)

A collection of investments, pooled into a single fund that can be bought and sold on a stock exchange.
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Inflation

The increase in the prices of goods and services over time, and the process by which money loses its value.
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Nominal amount

The face value of a gilt. It represents the amount that will be repaid to the holder at maturity and is also used to calculate the dividend or coupon payment.
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