The benchmark S 500 stock market index plunged into bear territory during 2022. But it has soared 29% from its low point set in October of that year, prompting some Wall Street analysts to call the beginning of a new bull market.

Not everyone agrees with that classification. Other experts think the S 500 has to reclaim its all-time high before the bear officially returns to hibernation. But here's the good news: After Wednesday's close, the index has to climb less than 2% to get there, so a new bull market could be right around the corner (by every definition). Therefore, now might be a great time for investors to buy quality stocks.

One to consider now is Oracle (NYSE: ORCL). The massive database software company just reported financial results for its fiscal 2024 second quarter (ended Nov. 30), and investors immediately sent its stock plunging by 9%. But that isn't the whole story. Here's why Oracle stock might represent one of the best long-term buying opportunities available right now.

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Source Fool.com