What type of market is often associated with rising prices and investor optimism?

A bull market is characterized by rising prices and widespread investor optimism. In such a market, investors are confident in the growth of the economy or particular asset classes, leading to increased buying activity. This environment often encourages more investors to enter the market, further driving prices up as they anticipate continued growth.

In contrast, a bear market indicates declining prices and a climate of pessimism among investors. A growth market, while it may imply positive performance, does not specifically denote the overall market conditions or investor sentiment as distinctly as a bull market does. Lastly, a stagnant market is marked by little to no movement in prices, reflecting a lack of enthusiasm or engagement from investors, contrasting sharply with the dynamic nature of a bull market.