How long does a bear market typically last? The duration of a bear market can vary widely depending on various factors such as the severity of the economic downturn, the underlying causes of the market decline, and the effectiveness of government policies and central bank interventions. In general, bear markets tend to be shorter and less severe than bull markets. According to historical data, the average duration of a bear market in the United States is approximately 1.4 years, while the average duration of a bull market is around 9 years. However, there have been exceptions to this rule, such as the bear market that lasted from 2000 to 2002, which lasted for around 2.5 years. It’s worth noting that the length of a bear market is difficult to predict, and market conditions can change rapidly. In some cases, bear markets can last for several years, while in others, they may be shorter-lived. It’s important to remember that past performance is not indicative of future results, and investing should always be approached with caution and a long-term perspective.