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

Bed & ISA

Understand what Bed and ISA is and how it works
Read more

Ponzi Scheme

A form of fraud designed to lure new investors, and pays the earlier backers by using the new investors' money.
Read more

Balance sheet

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

Time-Weighted Rate of Return (TWRR)

A return calculated over the time period invested, that excludes extraneous elements, such as deposits to and withdrawals from the investment accounted.
Read more

Technical Analysis

Examining price movements of shares and other assets, and trying to predict how they will move in the future.
Read more

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.
Read more

Money weighted rate of return

Learn what Money Weighted Rate of Return or MWRR stands for in finance.
Read more

Growth stocks

These are stocks in companies that are considered to be “growing”. These companies may be delivering new products and services, or entering new markets.
Read more

Stock Market

A place where shares of publicly listed companies are traded.
Read more

You’re just minutes away from commission-free investing

When you invest, your capital is at risk