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

SPAC

Find our what a SPAc or special purpose acquisition company is.
Read more

American Depository Receipts (ADRs)

Tradeable assets that let Americans invest in overseas stocks using US laws and dollars.
Read more

Securities

Bonds and stocks.
Read more

Accrued interest

The interest earned on a gilt since the last dividend date. When buying a gilt, the buyer pays the accrued interest at the time of a transaction to the seller in addition to the clean price of the gilt
Read more

Venture Capital

A type of financing that investors provide to startups, who sometimes announce getting said financing in TechCrunch, to big fanfare.
Read more

Net asset value

Mutual funds and investment trusts are priced on their net asset value (NAV).
Read more

Earnings per share

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

Stock Exchange

A physical/digital place where stockbrokers and traders can buy and sell securities.
Read more

Capital

Learn what financial capital means
Read more

You’re just minutes away from commission-free investing

When you invest, your capital is at risk