markets
bear market
A market condition in which prices are falling or expected to fall, typically by 20% or more from recent highs.
Example
"During the bear market of 2022, many tech stocks lost more than half their value."
💡 Memory Tip
A bear swipes DOWN with its claws. Bear market = prices going down.
Etymology
From the saying 'selling the bear's skin before catching the bear' — early traders who sold shares they didn't own yet, betting prices would fall.
Common Misspellings
bare marketbeer marketbear markit
Related Terms
See Also
correction