A bear is an investor who believes that a particular security, or the broader market is headed downward and may try to profit from a decline in stock prices. Typically, bears are pessimistic about the state of a market or economy. In the case of an investor who is bearish on the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500, that investor would expect prices to fall and attempt to profit from a decline in the broad market index.

In forex, a "bear" refers to a market condition or sentiment where prices are expected to decline. A bearish market is characterized by pessimism among traders, leading to selling pressure and downward price movements. Traders who anticipate a decline in currency prices are called "bears." They may adopt strategies like short-selling or using bearish indicators to profit from falling markets. Bearish sentiment can be influenced by factors such as weak economic data, geopolitical tensions, or central bank policies. The opposite of a bear market is a "bull" market, where prices are rising. Understanding bearish trends is crucial for forex traders, as it helps them make informed decisions and manage risk effectively in volatile market conditions.