Only a year ago, bear market lows were fresh in our memories. All three major indexes had reached bear territory back in 2022, and our biggest question was: When will the next bull market arrive?

Market gains last year, led by growth stocks, lifted our hopes. And the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) sealed the deal this month when it reached a new record high, confirming the market has indeed been in a bull phase as it's climbed over the past 15 months. The financial community always declares bull markets after they've actually started.

But don't worry -- even though this market has been roaring higher for a while, there's still plenty of time left to benefit. History shows us the average bull market lasts considerably longer than the average bear market -- nearly nine years versus 1.4 years, respectively, according to data compiled by Raymond James & Associates.

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Source Fool.com