What Could Knock Stocks Back Into a Bear Market

Even though the stock market has climbed its way back into bull-market territory, don’t forget: Several factors could easily send it lower. At just over 4300, the S&P 500 is now about 20% above 3577, the lowest closing price seen in the recent bear market. That level, reached in early October, left stocks 25% below the record high hit in early 2022. A gain of 20% from a low technically marks the start of a new bull market, which matches a recent surge of optimism. A Barron’s cover story this