Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Here's Why We Call Them 'Bear' And 'Bull' Markets

Sam RoJan 1, 2015, 07:38 IST

When stocks are up 20% from a low, we're in a bull market. And when stocks are down 20% from a high, we're in a bear market.

But where do these names come from?

According to Scottrade, these characterizations were designated because of the respective animals' methods of attack.

When you get gored by a bull, your usually getting launched into the air. And when a bear attacks you, it's coming down on you from its standing position.