What characterizes a bull market?

A bull market is characterized by rising prices in the stock market or in a specific asset class, which generally contributes to a positive outlook for future market performance. This atmosphere of optimism drives investor confidence, encouraging more buying activity as market participants expect continued growth. Investors frequently look for signs of a bull market, such as an upward trend in stock prices over a sustained period, often defined as a rise of 20% or more from a recent low.

The belief in ongoing economic expansion and potentially higher corporate earnings further fuels this environment, prompting more investment as people seek to capitalize on the anticipated upward trajectory. In contrast, other scenarios like declining prices or market stability do not align with the characteristics of a bull market, which is fundamentally about growth and optimism.