The S&P 500 has climbed more than 20% from its bear market low back in October. And some are calling this the start of a new bull market. The recent gains are great -- and definitely a reason to get excited about investing.

But we may not technically be in a bull market yet. That's because a bull market is characterized by, as mentioned, a 20% gain from bear market lows -- but also a second factor. An index must reach a new record high. And that hasn't happened. But a bull market is on the way, and it might even be right around the corner. Here's what to do next.

First, why am I so sure a bull market is on the way? History shows us that bear markets always lead to bull markets. In fact, the average bear market generally lasts about a year. So these times of down markets are temporary and lead to better days.

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Source Fool.com