As the volatile (frequently changing) financial markets continue

to fluctuate (move up and down sharply), this is a good time to focus on the relevant vocabulary.

Whilst the Chinese economy expanded we saw optimism in the financial markets worldwide, and as money poured in from investors buying

stocks and shares we had what we call a Bull market :

the famous Bull of Wall Street.

We can also say that the market is "bullish".

However, over the last months the markets have been much more pessimistic about the economic situation in China,

oil prices have fallen and investors are selling.their stocks and shares in large quantities.

This creates what is called a Bear or "bearish" market :

a bear who has lost money on the stock exchange !

Stocks and shares are also referred to as Equities or Securities, but this should not be confused with Security,

such as a car, solid financial assets or guarantors, which a bank requires before making us a loan.

In US English the parallel word is Collateral.

Invest wisely !