How long do bear markets usually last and how long does recovery take?

Bear markets, drops of 20% or more, feel endless but are historically shorter than the bull markets that follow. Looking at U.S. market history, the average bear market has lasted roughly a year or so, while recoveries and subsequent expansions run far longer, often several years. The pain is real but time-limited.

The more important number is time to full recovery, which varies widely: some recoveries take months, a few have taken several years. That's precisely why money you'll need soon shouldn't be in stocks, so you're never forced to sell during the recovery window. For long-term investors, bear markets have historically been buying opportunities in hindsight, though they never feel that way in the moment. The takeaway isn't to predict the bottom, it's to structure your finances so you can wait it out without selling.