Definition of "Bear Market"

A prolonged decline in stock prices that may occur for months or years. A bear market in bonds is usually caused by rising interest rates while a bear market in stocks is usually caused by investors who expect economic activity to decline.

A falling market, or a market in which prices are generally decreasing. A bear market in stocks is usually brought on by the anticipation of declining economic activity while a bear market in bonds is usually caused by rising interest rates.

Prolonged period of falling security prices usually caused by declining economic conditions and/or rising interest rates..