What does "bull and bear" reference?

The term "bull and bear" specifically refers to the stock market and is used to describe the general trends and sentiments of the market. A "bull market" is characterized by rising prices and overall investor optimism, where the prevailing sentiment is one of confidence and growth. In contrast, a "bear market" signifies declining prices, often accompanied by widespread pessimism and a lack of confidence among investors. The origin of these terms is thought to relate to the way each animal attacks: a bull thrusts its horns upward, indicating an upward market trend, while a bear swipes its paws downward, symbolizing a downturn in the market. Thus, the phrase is integral to understanding market dynamics and investor psychology in relation to stock performance.