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A bear market is characterized by a downward trend in stocks and stock market values over a long period. No investor expects a bear market, but they are a part of the market cycle. So if you are a long term investor in the stock market, it is best to plan how to survive bear markets that you will encounter rather than to avoid them. It is true that a bear market can be devastating for retirees living on their investments. That’s why retirees are encouraged to maintain sufficient cash and vouchers through market downturns without being affected too much.
The trigger of a bear market and investor confidence may be due to various reasons. It may be that the public and investors feel that the worst of a bad situation is over. I always enjoyed watching stocks relative to other stocks in its sector. For example, if your stock is Microsoft and you want to compare it with other IT stocks, you should also check the performance of sectors compared to the stock market as a whole. Much money is lost in bear markets, but a lot of money is made during and at the end of a Bear Market. If you happen to be one of the lucky investors that can measure when we hit a market bottom, then you can go discount shopping and cash in on the early movement.
Here are some tips to get through the bear market cycle, with minimal losses:
When it comes to stock selection in general, one should always compare the specific equity sector as a whole. Generally, I would never buy a stock that under performs a sector. The exception would be a major brand names (say McDonalds) through a difficult period and looking for a long rebound. It is a good stock picking strategy, but the purchase of small running of the shares is a good way to waste your hard earned money.