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The Cycle of Investing

  • LampPost Planning
  • Sep 1, 2025
  • 1 min read

Updated: Sep 5, 2025

When markets fall, it’s easy to forget that downtrends are part of the investing cycle. So when prices slip, it's a good time to review some common terms that you may be hearing that describe today’s financial markets.


The first is “pullback,” the mildest form of a drop in the markets. You might hear a market commentator refer to a dip of 5% to 10% after a peak as a pullback.


The next term is “correction,” which is used when markets drop 10% to 20% after a peak.


Then there is a “bear market,” where the drop is 20% or more since the last peak.


When prices are trending lower, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. But over the years, I’ve found that doesn’t help. 


If you find yourself thinking “this time, it’s different,” please reach out as soon as possible. It’s important that you feel comfortable with our approach and we’d be happy to talk with you.

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DBA Quality Life Insurance Agency. Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Gateway Financial Advisors, LLC, DBA: Quality Life Insurance Agency.  Cambridge is a partial owner of Gateway Financial Advisors, LLC.  Financial Professionals may only conduct business with residents of the states or jurisdictions in which they are properly registered, licensed or exempt from registration and not all of the securities, products and services mentioned are available in every state or jurisdiction.

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