A bull market is an extended period in which prices generally rise across a market or a defined group of assets. In crypto discussions, the term often describes a sustained advance in major cryptocurrencies, although individual tokens can move differently.
Identifying the broader trend
Analysts examine the duration of the advance, successive price highs and lows, trading activity and how widely gains are shared. A 20% rise from a recent low is a familiar convention in traditional markets, but crypto has no universally binding threshold. A brief surge in one thinly traded token does not establish a market-wide bull phase.
Why prices may keep rising
Improving expectations, easier access to assets and stronger demand can support higher prices. Rising prices can also attract attention and additional buyers, reinforcing optimism. That feedback can weaken abruptly if expectations change or buyers stop accepting higher prices.
Pullbacks still happen
A bull market can contain sharp declines and periods of sideways trading. For example, an asset may retreat for several days while its longer-term trend remains upward. The label describes observed conditions; it does not identify the next peak or guarantee that holding any particular token will be profitable.