A bear market refers to a financial market characterized by a prolonged period of declining prices for securities such as stocks, bonds, or commodities. It's marked by pessimism, investor uncertainty, and an overall downward trend in asset prices. In a bear market, there's a prevailing belief that the economy is weakening or facing challenges, leading investors to sell off their holdings to avoid potential losses. This selling pressure often intensifies as investors anticipate further declines, and it may be accompanied by a decrease in market confidence and economic downturns.