Market Basics
Bear Market
A period when prices are generally falling and investor confidence is often weaker.
Also called: falling market
What it means
A bear market is a period when prices trend downward for a sustained time. It is often associated with fear, uncertainty, weak economic expectations, or disappointing company results. Bear markets can feel intense, but they are a normal part of long market cycles.
Why it matters
This term helps people understand that market declines are part of investing and not automatically a sign that the market is permanently broken.