A recent market surge raises questions about the fate of the markets: is it a new bull run or just a short-term rally during a longer decline? The uncertainty hangs in the balance.
Wednesday’s market surge in stocks and crypto might be the start of a new bull run or just a short-term rally during a longer decline. It’s too early to say whether markets are starting a bull run or a bear-market rally.
The stock market is a platform where companies raise capital by issuing shares to investors.
Investors buy and sell these shares, hoping to earn profits from price fluctuations.
The stock market provides liquidity to businesses, enabling them to expand operations and create jobs.
It also allows individuals to participate in the economy by investing in various industries.
According to the World Federation of Exchanges, there are over 60 stock exchanges globally, with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) being one of the largest.
Characteristics of a Sustained Bottom
Goldman Sachs‘ analysis suggests that certain characteristics of a sustained bottom, such as attractive valuations, extreme negative positioning, policy intervention, and a slowdown in macroeconomic deterioration, are not yet evident. The Federal Reserve is unlikely to offer support anytime soon, while President Trump’s 90-day tariff pause may be short-lived.
The Federal Reserve is the central banking system of the United States.
It was created in 1913 to regulate monetary policy and maintain financial stability.
The Fed, as it's commonly known, sets interest rates and uses tools like quantitative easing to control inflation and promote economic growth.
The Federal Reserve System consists of 12 regional banks and a Federal Reserve Board, which oversees national monetary policy.
History of Bear Market Rallies
There have been 19 global bear market rallies since the 1980s, with an average duration of 44 days and a MSCI AC World return of 10% to 15%. One of the worst bear markets in history saw about half a dozen major double-digit rallies before all was said and done. However, these rallies are not necessarily indicative of a new bull run.
A bear market is a prolonged period of declining stock prices, typically defined as a decline of 20% or more from recent highs.
This phenomenon occurs when investor sentiment turns pessimistic, leading to increased selling and decreased demand for stocks.
Bear markets can be caused by various factors, including economic downturns, inflation, or geopolitical events.
Historically, bear markets have been relatively rare, but their impact on investors' portfolios can be significant.

The Recent Bounce: A Short-Term Surge or a Longer Decline?
Whether the recent bounce signifies the onset of a new bull run or merely a bear market rally won’t become clear until later. The current optimism spurred by Wednesday’s price surge may be overoptimistic, and markets should be viewed with caution despite the short-term gains.
Valuations and Trade Tensions
Stocks are not yet cheap, and trade tensions could escalate again. The tariffs on China continue to rise, which may impact market sentiment. A prolonged bull run or bear-market rally will depend on various factors, including macroeconomic trends and policy interventions.
Key Takeaways
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Markets should be viewed with caution despite short-term gains.
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Certain characteristics of a sustained bottom are not yet evident.
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The recent bounce may be a short-term surge or a longer decline.
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Valuations and trade tensions remain concerns.
- coindesk.com | New Bull Run or Bear Market Rally? Only Time Will Tell