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More glossary terms
- JOLTS (job openings and labor turnover survey)
- Earnings per share (EPS)
- Nasdaq composite
- Unit
- Value investing
Bull market definition
A market where prices have been rising over time – and haven’t fallen by more than 20% from their most recent peak.
What is a bull market?
A bull market is a market in which prices have been rising over time – and haven’t fallen by more than 20% from their peak. It’s most often used in reference to the stock market, but it can also be applied to other financial markets. When a market is rising, it’s sometimes referred to as ‘bullish’.
How long do bull markets last?
Bull markets tend to last for months or even years. The longest bull market in US stock market history lasted for 11 years, from 2009 until the Covid-19 crash in 2020. It’s difficult to assess how long a bull market might last, because there’s no reliable guide to the future health of the stock market.
And, it’s important to remember that even in a bull market, a market crash is possible at any time – so it’s important to take steps to manage your risk when investing by diversifying your investments.
Learn more about diversification
Bull vs bear market
The difference between a bull and bear market is in the current market condition. While a bull market is a sign of a rising market, a bear market indicates a falling market and is sometimes a sign of higher volatility – which can increase your risk.
The way to remember the difference is in the way the animals attack: a bull swipes up with its horns, while a bear swipes down with its claws.
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It's important you know
Capital at risk. All investing should be for the longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
A 25% government penalty applies if you withdraw money from a Lifetime ISA for any reason other than buying your first home (up to £450,000) or for retirement, and you may get back less than you paid into your Lifetime ISA.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Payments you make into your pension won’t be accessible until the minimum pension age (currently 55, increasing to age 57 from 2028). Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
For Business Saver: T&Cs apply. Max one withdrawal per day.