The S&P 500 is in a bull market. Here's what that means and how long the bull might run

The S&P 500 is now in what Wall Street refers to as a bull market, meaning the index has risen 20% or more from its most recent low.

Here are some answers to questions about bull and bear markets:

WHY IT IS CALLED A BULL MARKET?

Wall Street's nickname for a surging stock market is a bull market because bulls charge, said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA. In contrast, bears hibernate, so bears represent a market that's retreating.

WHEN DID THE NEW BULL MARKET BEGIN?

This latest bull market is considered to have begun on Oct. 13, 2022, a day after the S&P 500 closed at its most r...