What characterizes a 'bear market'?

A bear market is characterized by a significant decline in the prices of securities, typically defined as a drop of 20% or more from recent highs. This period is often marked by widespread pessimism among investors, leading to a decrease in demand for stocks or other assets. The decline in prices can result from a variety of factors including economic downturns, rising interest rates, or negative news about individual companies or the economy as a whole.

While a decline of 10% may indicate market weakness, it does not officially classify a bear market. The 20% threshold is widely recognized as a standard indicator of a bear market condition. Similarly, other choices describe market conditions that are either stable or on the rise, which are not applicable to the characteristic of a bear market, making the identification of falling prices as the correct answer essential for understanding market trends.