--- title: What is a Wolf Market? description: Wolf Markets are defined as any period of 10% or greater downward price correction, beginning with the day of the initial peak price and ending at the day before the initial peak price is reached again. image: https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4Thought-What-is-a-wolf-market.jpg --- [![4thought\_footer-logo.png](https://www.4tfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/4thought_footer-logo.png?width=335&height=101&name=4thought_footer-logo.png "4thought_footer-logo.png")](https://www.4tfg.com/) - [![4Thought Financial Group](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4thought_footer-logo.png)](https://www.4tfg.com/) [![4Thought Financial Group Compass](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4Though-Compass.png)](https://www.4tfg.com/) - [About 4Thought](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) - [Our Investment Methodology](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) - [Management Team](https://www.4tfg.com/management) - [In the Media](https://www.4tfg.com/media) - [Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) - [Services](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) - [Private Individual Investing](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) - [SMAs for RIA /Institutional /Family Office](https://www.4tfg.com/financial-advisors-and-institutions) - [Services for CPAs](https://www.4tfg.com/cpa-investing-services) - [Private Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/wealth-management) - [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/retirement-plan-services) - [Resources](https://www.4tfg.com/resources) - [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources) - [Portfolio Review](https://www.4tfg.com/portfolio-review) - [Investment Performance](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests) - [CPA Continuing Education](https://www.4tfg.com/cpe-continuing-education) - [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) - [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) - [Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) - Log In - [Goldman Sachs Accounts](https://custodysolutions.gs.com/client-app) - [Wealth Management](https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/SignIn?ema) - [Consolidated Reporting](https://client.myadvisorlink.com/auth/users/webportal/4tfg) - [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/rps-login) - - Log In - [Goldman Sachs Accounts](https://custodysolutions.gs.com/client-app) - [Wealth Management](https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/SignIn?ema) - [Consolidated Reporting](https://client.myadvisorlink.com/auth/users/webportal/4tfg) - [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/rps-login) ## 4Thought Investing Resources ## 4Thought Investing Resources [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/) [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/investment-strategy) [Personal Finance](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/personal-investing) [Business Finance](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/business-finance) [For Professionals](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/financial-professionals)[Compass and Crosshairs](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/compass-and-crosshairs) SUBSCRIBE Subscribe for free tips and articles to help you lead a smarter financial life. [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) # What is a Wolf Market? ### Coined by investment advisory and asset management firm 4Thought Financial Group, **‘Wolf Markets’ are quantitatively defined as any period of 10% or greater downward price correction,** starting with the day of the initial peak price and ending at the day before the initial peak price is reached again. This also includes any period with two consecutive 10%+ downward corrections (excluding periods defined as Bear Markets) with no increase in price from the trough of the first correction to the trough of the second correction (ending after the second trough on the day before the initial price of the first correction’s starting peak is reached). Consequently, Wolf Markets are characterized by volatile/sideways stock prices. ## The Four Market Cycles: Bear, Bull, Wolf, Eagle **![Bear Markets](https://www.4tfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bear%20Markets.png?width=92&name=Bear%20Markets.png "Bear Markets.png")Bear Markets (Declining stock prices):** Quantitatively defined as a period of cumulative price decrease of 20% or greater from the most recent record peak price. **![Bull Markets](https://www.4tfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bull%20Markets.png?width=92&name=Bull%20Markets.png "Bull Markets")Bull Markets (Rising stock prices):**Quantitatively defined as any period that does not meet the criteria for a Bear Market (Anything other than a period of price decrease of 20% or greater from the most recent record peak price. Bull and Bear markets are mutually exclusive by definition). **![Wolf Markets](https://www.4tfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wolf%20Markets.png?width=92&name=Wolf%20Markets.png)Wolf Markets (Volatile/sideways stock prices):** Quantitatively defined as any period of 10% or greater downward price correction, starting with the day of the initial peak price and ending at the day before the initial peak price is reached again; We also include any period with two consecutive 10%+ downward corrections (excluding periods defined as Bear markets) with no increase in price from the trough of the first correction to the trough of the second correction (ending after the 2nd trough on the day before the initial price of the 1st correction’s starting peak is reached). **![Eagle Markets](https://www.4tfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Eagle%20Markets.png?width=92&name=Eagle%20Markets.png)Eagle Markets (Rapidly rising stock prices with low volatility):**Quantitatively defined as any period exhibiting trailing 1-year returns of +30% or greater without an intervening 10% or greater downward price correction. It is important to note that based on these quantitative definitions of the Bear, Bull, Wolf, and Eagle environments, markets can overlap with each other. With the exception of Bear markets, the other three market types can occur simultaneously. In effect, based on this “overlapping” set of definitions (which have been used to preserve the traditional mutually exclusive definitions of Bull and Bear markets), our newly identified Wolf and Eagle markets can be viewed as subsets or components of the traditional Bull market. *[Originally Analysis Published Here](https://www.4tfg.com/bear-bull-wolf-eagle-markets)* **To learn more about [“Eagle” and 'Wolf' markets](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/bear-bull-wolf-eagle-markets-reimagined-redefined), in addition to the traditional “Bull” and “Bear,” and how [select investment methods](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) tend to perform in each environment, [Download The Analysis](https://www.4tfg.com/bear-bull-wolf-eagle-markets) by 4Thought Financial Group CIO Jesse Mackey.** ## Was this article helpful to you? ### Subscribe to our newsletter for free tips and articles to help you lead a smarter financial life. ### Related Questions [![Investing in the Coronavirus Bear Market](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/Investing-in-the-Coronavirus-Bear-Market.jpg)](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/investing-in-the-coronavirus-bear-market) [![Financial Planning Idea for the Day: Micro vs. Macro: Draft a Plan Before Moving Forward](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/Blog/4Thought-Blog_Micro-vs-Macro.jpg)](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/micro-macro-draft-financial-plan) [![Financial Planning Idea for the Day: Am I Paying High Investment Fees?](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/Blog/4Thought-Blog-Am-I-Paying-High-Fees.jpg)](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/why-am-i-paying-high-investment-fees) ## Leave a Comment ### Search 4tfg.com This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Other Questions [--- ![Bear-Bull-Wolf-Eagle-Market-Icons](https://www.4tfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bear-Bull-Wolf-Eagle-Market-Icons.png?width=600&name=Bear-Bull-Wolf-Eagle-Market-Icons.png)](https://www.4tfg.com/bear-bull-wolf-eagle-markets) - [Call 1-516-300-1617](tel:+15163001617) - [Email info@4tfg.com](mailto:info@4tfg.com) - ABOUT 4THOUGHT [Investment Philosophy](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) [Management Team](https://www.4tfg.com/management) [In the Media](https://www.4tfg.com/media) [Sign Up](https://www.4tfg.com/sign-up)[Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) SERVICES [Private Individual Investing](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) [SMAs for RIA /Institutional /Family Office](https://www.4tfg.com/financial-advisors-and-institutions) [Services for CPAs](https://www.4tfg.com/cpa-investing-services) [Private Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/wealth-management) [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/retirement-plan-services) RESOURCES [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources) [Investment Performance](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests) [CPA Continuing Education](https://www.4tfg.com/CPE-continuing-education) About 4Thought [Investment Philosophy](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) [Management Team](https://www.4tfg.com/management) [In the Media](https://www.4tfg.com/media)[Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) Services [Private Individual Investing](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) [SMAs for RIA /Institutional /Family Office](https://www.4tfg.com/financial-advisors-and-institutions) [Services for CPAs](https://www.4tfg.com/cpa-investing-services) [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/retirement-plan-services) [Private Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/wealth-management) Resources [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/) [Investment Performance](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-performance-services) [CPA Continuing Education](https://www.4tfg.com/CPE-continuing-education) [Investing Questionnaire](https://4tfg.typeform.com/to/ZRF2dJ) ![4Thought Financial Group](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4thought_footer-logo.png "4Thought Financial Group") The information provided by 4Thought is educational only and is not to be interpreted or construed as investment or tax advice. © 2026 4Thought Financial Group Inc. 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The GIPS firm definition excludes any third party asset management programs over which 4Thought maintains oversight advisory agreements on behalf of its clients, any arrangements under which 4Thought provides recommendations for client self-implementation, and any assets under advisory but not under direct management (in which 4Thought provides allocation changes or trading signals to third party firms but does not take discretion over the trading of client accounts). GIPS-compliant performance information for 4Thought's strategies may be obtained by email at [info@4tfg.com](mailto:info@4tfg.com); on the 4Thought website at [www.4tfg.com/performance-requests](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests); or by phone at (516) 300-1617. Disclaimer [Form CRS, Firm Brochure (ADV Part2), Privacy Policy Notice, and Wrap Fee Program Brochure](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/Firm_Brochure_ADV_Pt2-Privacy_Policy-Wrap_Fee_Program_Brochure.pdf) [Disclosure](https://www.4tfg.com/disclosure) [BrokerCheck](http://brokercheck.finra.org/) Investment Advisory Services are offered through 4Thought Financial Group Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The content presented here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment advisory services or performance. This website is in no way a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment advisory services except, where applicable, in states where we are registered (or notice filed) or where an exemption or exclusion from such registration exists. Information throughout this site, including, but not limited to, stock quotes, charts, articles or any other statement or statements regarding market or other financial information, is obtained from sources which we, and our suppliers believe reliable, but we do not warrant or guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of this information. Nothing on this website should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future performance. Neither we nor our information providers shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies, regardless of cause, or the lack of timeliness of, or for any delay or interruption in the transmission thereof to the user. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR RESULTS OBTAINED FROM ANY INFORMATION POSTED ON THIS OR ANY LINKED WEBSITE. Any opinions presented here are subject to change at any time without notice. Any comments or postings are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments. Readers should conduct their own review and exercise judgment prior to investing. Investments are not guaranteed, involve risk and may result in a loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments are not suitable for all types of investors. \*4Thought Financial Group claims compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute. CFA Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein. The GIPS firm definition excludes any third party asset management programs over which 4Thought maintains oversight advisory agreements on behalf of its clients, any arrangements under which 4Thought provides recommendations for client self-implementation, and any assets under advisory but not under direct management (in which 4Thought provides allocation changes or trading signals to third party firms but does not take discretion over the trading of client accounts). GIPS-compliant performance information for 4Thought's strategies may be obtained by email at [info@4tfg.com](mailto:info@4tfg.com); on the 4Thought website at [https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests); or by phone at (516) 300-1617. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Syosset", "addressRegion" : "New York", "postalCode" : "11791", "streetAddress" : "6851 Jericho Turnpike Suite 120" }, "alternateName" : "4 Thought Financial Group", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint" : { "latitude" : "+40.8100713", "longitude" : "-73.5172286" }, "geoRadius" : "150 km" }, "description" : "Wolf Markets are defined as any period of 10% or greater downward price correction, beginning with the day of the initial peak price and ending at the day before the initial peak price is reached again.", "email" : "[GDelorenzo@ClearHorizonGroup.Com, info@4tfg.com, no-reply@4tfg.com]", "image" : "https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4Thought-Financial-Group-OG.jpg", "logo" : "http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2201374/4thought_header-logo.png", "naics" : "523920", "name" : "4Thought Financial Group", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/4ThoughtFinancialGroup", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/3043702", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEHRK-25mAwfTlNzdvFSN3g", "http://investment-advisors.credio.com/l/39493/4thought-Financial-Group-Inc" ], "telephone" : "516-300-1617", "url" : "http://www.4tfg.com" } ```