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

Yield to maturity (YTM)

What is yield to maturity and why is it useful?
Read more

Time Value of Money

The concept that money you have now is more valuable than the same sum in the future.
Read more

Balance sheet

A summary of a company's finances, including its assets, liabilities and shareholder equity.
Read more

Total Return

This is the measurement of a fund’s performance in a specific period.
Read more

Fixed Income

An investment that provides a fixed rate of return, often over a specific set of time.
Read more

Over-The-Counter (OTC)

A security that is sold outside of an exchange.
Read more

Know Your Customer (KYC)

A legal requirement for financial firms to understand exactly who their customers are. Used to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
Read more

Costs and Charges

The money you pay when investing.
Read more

S&P 500

Find out what is the definition of the S&P 500 index.
Read more

You’re just minutes away from commission-free investing

When you invest, your capital is at risk