Bull
BOOL
/bʊl/
An investor who believes a market or asset will rise in value; often used to describe an upward-trending market ('bull market').
A 'bull' is optimistic about market performance and typically buys assets, expecting to profit from price increases.
The story behind the word. The financial use of 'bull' and 'bear' to describe market trends is thought to originate from the way these animals attack. A bull thrusts its horns upwards, symbolizing rising prices. The exact origin is debated, but it likely emerged in the 18th century, with early references in English literature to 'bulls and bears' in stock-jobbing.
Word relationships
- Optimist: General term for someone hopeful; 'bull' is specific to market outlook.
- Buyer: Someone who purchases; a 'bull' buys with a specific expectation of rising prices.
- Bear: A 'bear' believes the market will fall, while a 'bull' believes it will rise.
Commonly confused with
- Bear: A 'bull' expects prices to rise (charges upwards); a 'bear' expects prices to fall (swipes downwards).
Word family
- Bullish (adjective): Optimistic about market trends; tending to cause prices to rise.
Collocations
- bull market
- bull run
- bullish sentiment
- bull investor
Idioms & expressions
- take the bull by the horns
Example sentences
- "The analyst is a strong bull on the technology sector, predicting significant growth in the coming year." Market sentiment
- "Investors celebrated the return of the bull market after a prolonged period of economic stagnation." Market conditions
- "During a bull run, even less experienced investors can see their portfolios grow rapidly." Trading behavior
Memory hook
Remember a 'bull' attacks by thrusting its horns UP, so a bull market goes UP. Horns up
When not to use
Do not use 'bull' to describe a falling market; use 'bear' instead.
Fun facts
- The famous 'Charging Bull' sculpture near Wall Street in New York City symbolizes aggressive financial optimism and prosperity.
Related words
Explore more words
Bubble, optimism, bellow, investment, speculate, Appreciation
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