Client Login
glaughlin@rwbaird.com
312-578-2682
Investment

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline. Before 2020, the financial sector enjoyed one of the longest bull markets in history. Beginning in March 2009, the covid 19 pandemic ended this run in March 2020. However, recovery was swift, and a new bull market started in April that same year. As we face an uncertain road ahead, let's take a look at history's most recent bull and bear markets, as outlined by the S&P 500. Sources 1 and 2. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline. Before 2020, the financial sector enjoyed one of the longest bull markets in history. Beginning in March 2009, the covid 19 pandemic ended this run in March 2020. However, recovery was swift, and a new bull market started in April that same year. As we face an uncertain road ahead, let's take a look at history's most recent bull and bear markets, as outlined by the S&P 500. Sources 1 and 2. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.Bull Market: An extended period in time in which stocks rise in value. Bear Market: Marked by a 20% (or more) drop in the price of securities from the most recent high. The average Bull market lasted 52.8 months and returned 152.6 percent. The average Bear market lasted only 11.3 months and lost 32.1 percent.Bull Market: An extended period in time in which stocks rise in value. Bear Market: Marked by a 20% (or more) drop in the price of securities from the most recent high. The average Bull market lasted 52.8 months and returned 152.6 percent. The average Bear market lasted only 11.3 months and lost 32.1 percent.Bull & Bear Market Trends For the Last 50 Years. Starting in 1970, there was a 73.5 percent increase over the course of 2.6 years. Starting in 1973, there was a 48.2 percent decrease over the course of 1.7 years.Bull & Bear Market Trends For the Last 50 Years. Starting in 1970, there was a 73.5 percent increase over the course of 2.6 years. Starting in 1973, there was a 48.2 percent decrease over the course of 1.7 years.Starting in 1974, there was a 125.6 percent increase over the course of 6.2 years. Starting in 1980, there was a 27.1 percent decrease over the course of 1.7 years.Starting in 1974, there was a 125.6 percent increase over the course of 6.2 years. Starting in 1980, there was a 27.1 percent decrease over the course of 1.7 years.Starting in 1982, there was a 228.8 percent increase over the course of 5 years. Starting in 1987, there was a 33.5 percent decrease over the course of .3 years.Starting in 1982, there was a 228.8 percent increase over the course of 5 years. Starting in 1987, there was a 33.5 percent decrease over the course of .3 years.Starting in 1987, there was a 582.1 percent increase over the course of 12.3 years. Starting in 2000, there was a 36.8 percent decrease over the course of 1.5 years. Starting in 2001, there was a 21.4 percent increase over the course of .3 years. Later that same year, there was a 33.8 percent decrease over the course of .8 years.Starting in 1987, there was a 582.1 percent increase over the course of 12.3 years. Starting in 2000, there was a 36.8 percent decrease over the course of 1.5 years. Starting in 2001, there was a 21.4 percent increase over the course of .3 years. Later that same year, there was a 33.8 percent decrease over the course of .8 years.Starting in 2002, there was a 101.5 percent increase over the course of 5 years. Starting in 2007, there was a 51.9 percent decrease over the course of 1.1 years. Starting in 2008, there was a 24.2 percent increase over the course of .1 years. Later that same year, there was a 27.6 percent decrease over the course of 1 year.Starting in 2002, there was a 101.5 percent increase over the course of 5 years. Starting in 2007, there was a 51.9 percent decrease over the course of 1.1 years. Starting in 2008, there was a 24.2 percent increase over the course of .1 years. Later that same year, there was a 27.6 percent decrease over the course of 1 year.Starting in 2009, there was a 400.5 percent increase over the course of 11 years. Starting in 2020, there was a 33.9 percent decrease over the course of .1 years. There’s been an ongoing increase since 2020.Starting in 2009, there was a 400.5 percent increase over the course of 11 years. Starting in 2020, there was a 33.9 percent decrease over the course of .1 years. There’s been an ongoing increase since 2020.Source 1: CaptiveInternational.com, 2021. Source 2: Yardeni.com, 2022. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.Source 1: CaptiveInternational.com, 2021. Source 2: Yardeni.com, 2022. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!

Related Content

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

Learn about all the parts of Medicare with this informative and enjoyable article.

Should I Invest in Gold?

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

Five for Friday – June 5, 2026

Five for Friday – June 5, 2026

Ross talks about AI disruption, whether the market is in a state of “blissful ignorance,” and how 2026 is shaping up so far.