In stock investing, the term "Secular" is used to describe a long-term trend or market movement, typically several years or more, that is driven by underlying fundamental factors such as demographics, technology, and economic conditions.A secular bull market refers to a long-term period of rising stock prices, where investors are optimistic about the future, and are willing to pay higher prices for stocks.
A secular bear market refers to a long-term period of falling stock prices, where investors are pessimistic and unwilling to pay high prices for stocks.For example, the technology sector experienced a secular bull market in the 1990s, driven by the rapid growth of the internet and the proliferation of personal computers. Similarly, the healthcare sector has been in a secular bull market for the last decades due to an aging population and the increasing demand for medical treatments and services.On the other hand, the energy sector has been in a secular bear market for the last few years, driven by the increased use of renewable energy sources, and the decrease in demand for fossil fuels.It is important to note that secular trends can last for several years, or even decades, so investors who are able to identify and capitalize on these trends can potentially see significant returns on their investments. However, it's also important to note that secular trends are not predictable and can be affected by various unexpected events or changes in the economy.