From wealth management firm Bespoke Investment Group, there have been 27 bear market declines in the S&P 500 since 1929. It should be noted that Bespoke has a very clear definition of what it believes constitutes a bull and bear market. A 20% (or greater) bounce from recent lows that was preceded by a 20% (or greater) decline represents the start of a bull market. Meanwhile, a 20%+ drop from recent highs, which was preceded by a 20%+ rally, signals the beginning of a bear market.

Data from the 27 bear markets the S&P 500 has endured over the past 94 years shows the index has averaged a 35.1% loss. More importantly, bear markets have lasted an average of just 282 calendar days (about 9.5 months).

On the other hand, the 27 bull markets the S&P 500 has enjoyed over the past 94 years have led to an average — I repeat, average — gain of 114.4% !

Furthermore, bull markets have gone on for an average of 1,011 calendar days, or close to three months shy of three years. Put another way, the average bull market has lasted slightly more than 3.5 times longer than the typical bear market since 1929.

££££££££££

Using good ole hindsight the current S&P bull market started in Oct 2022.

Using the statistical average it could have further to run, although the later you board the train the higher the risk.

One certainty is the current bull market will be followed by a bear market but as always the timing is the unknown.