A large difference between the percentage bullish vs. bearish indicates more risk. The SMI sends no clear signal whether the market is bullish or bearish. These surveys gauge the attitude of market participants, specifically whether they are bearish or bullish. The pattern is recognized in two variants, one bearish and one bullish. Similarly, bullish divergence is a sign confirming a downtrend. In a secular bull market the prevailing trend is "bullish" or upward-moving. This leaves more potential sellers than buyers, despite the bullish sentiment. And because most investors "are" bullish and invested, one assumes that few buyers remain. Bullish divergence occurs when price makes a new low but RSI makes a higher low. Some have criticized Professor Siegel for being bullish on the stock market back in 2000. In a bullish economy, the demand for contingent labor is strong. If the trader is bullish, you set up a bullish credit spread using puts. This is known as a bullish position. Interviews with players were typically bullish in tone. He is especially bullish about the business opportunities presented by Southeast Asia.