The stock market’s 20%+ rebound in 55 days matches two of the biggest bull markets in history. Here’s what traders need to know — and how to track it using Barchart tools.
History Repeats… Or Rhymes?
In April 2009 and again in April 2020, the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) surged more than 20% in just 55 trading days, sparking two of the most powerful bull markets over the last 50 years.
Now here we are again, in 2025. And guess what?
The same V-shaped recovery pattern has reappeared, starting in April.
The question for traders isn’t “What just happened?” It’s “What happens next?”
The 20% Signal: A Rally with a Track Record
In both 2009 and 2020, a sharp bounce off bear market lows created what analysts call a “V-shaped” recovery. Not only did the market rally hard — it continued to grind higher for years, setting new all-time highs and delivering outsized gains for early buyers.
Now in 2025, the market has once again crossed that 20% recovery threshold, matching the structure and timing of those previous turning points.
Could this be the start of the next great bull market?
What to Watch: Patterns, Indicators, and Market Signals
While history offers clues, it doesn’t guarantee results. So how do you navigate what could be a massive opportunity — or a bull trap in disguise?
Use indicators that track real momentum and sentiment, like:
- Golden Cross Signals – When the 50-day moving average crosses above the 200-day. A classic bullish trend confirmation.
- Relative Strength Index (RSI) – To confirm overbought/oversold levels and momentum strength.
- Put/Call Open Interest Ratios – To gauge bullish vs. bearish sentiment in the options market.
Barchart Tools You Can Use to Track It All:
Here’s how to stay one step ahead using Barchart’s suite of pro-grade tools:
- Grid Chart Tool → Compare SPY performance from 2009, 2020, and 2025 to spot the pattern for yourself.
- Golden Cross Signals (Moving Average Crossover) → Use Barchart’s MA Crossover indicator to track 50/200-day crossovers.
- Put/Call Ratio Page → View sentiment shifts and options activity for volume and open interest.
- RSI Screeners → Quickly scan for stocks entering overbought or oversold territory.
Don’t Just Chase the Rally. Track It.
While momentum may be building, smart traders wait for confirmation. Keep your eyes on sentiment data, moving average slopes, and options flow to gauge whether bulls are in control — or if a reversal is brewing.
The Put/Call Open Interest Ratio is still relatively low compared to historic levels — which could mean the market has more room to run before the bears start piling in.
Watch the Short Breakdown
Watch our Instagram reel here for a quick breakdown of the 2009, 2020, and 2025 rally patterns — and the tools you can use to track this next potential bull market.
Explore These Barchart Tools
- Put/Call Ratio
- Golden Cross Screener
- RSI Screener
- Save Your Watchlists and Set Trade Alerts with Barchart
