Where do the terms bull market and bear market come from?

A Bull market signifies a Stock Market situation where investors are beaming with confidence and the price of stocks and the market index is going up consistently. Such a solid rise in market indices is compared to the uncontrolled running of a raging bull and hence the term BULL market.

A Bear market signifies a stock market situation where investors are very cautious and are not willing to buy new shares and are considering liquidating their holdings. The market is either flat or going down consistently. Such a situation is compared to the grip or hug of a bear which is considered very difficult to break and hence the term BEAR market.