The current bull market that started on March 9, 2009 has been running for 667 calendar days. Bespoke produced an interesting chart, highlighting the lengths of every bull (green) and bear (red) market of the S&P 500 Index going back to 1928. As shown, the average bull market (915 days) has historically lasted about three times as long as the average bear market (310 days).

“Prior to 1940, we saw a number of short market cycles, but since then they’ve lasted much longer. In fact, since 1940, the average bull market has lasted more than 1,600 days, which is about 2.5 times as long as the one we’re currently in,” said Bespoke.

Source: Bespoke Investment Group, January 3, 2011.

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