Since 1980, there have been 12 bear markets defined as a market decline of 20% or more lasting at least two months. This mountain chart shows that from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 2024, the average length of these bear markets was 282 days, while the average length of a bull market was 1,018 days. The average return of a bear market was negative 30% and the average return of a bull market was 96%.