The Wall Street Bear Statue, a history

The Wall Street bear statue, while not as iconic as the Wall Street bull, symbolizes the “bear market” in finance, representing periods of declining stock prices. The origin of the term “bear” in finance is somewhat ambiguous, but it is often attributed to the practice of bear-baiting, where sellers would sell bearskins they had yet to acquire, speculating on the future purchase price; this practice was akin to betting on stock prices falling.

Unlike the famous Charging Bull statue, which was installed in 1989 by artist Arturo Di Modica as a symbol of resilience and strength after the 1987 stock market crash, the Wall Street bear statue does not have a single, universally recognized representation or a widely known story of its installation. The bear, in financial symbolism, stands for caution, pessimism, or expectations of a market decline, in contrast to the bull’s optimism and confidence.

There have been various bear statues or sculptures displayed in and around Wall Street over the years, but none have achieved the iconic status or clear historical background of the Charging Bull. The bear statues that do appear are often temporary installations or part of broader artistic projects, serving as visual representations of the bear market concept rather than standalone landmarks with a deep-rooted history like the bull statue.

The Wall Street Bull Statue

The Charging Bull statue on Wall Street, created by Italian artist Arturo Di Modica, is a significant symbol in New York City’s financial district. Crafted from bronze and weighing about 7,100 pounds, this 11 feet tall sculpture represents the aggressive financial optimism and prosperity associated with a bull market.

Di Modica initially installed the Charging Bull in front of the New York Stock Exchange as a Christmas gift to the people of New York in December 1989. He funded the sculpture himself as a way to encourage everyone after the 1987 Black Monday stock market crash. The sculpture was installed without permission, and its presence was initially controversial. However, it quickly became a popular fixture and was later relocated to Bowling Green in the Financial District, where it stands today.

The bull is often seen as a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity, reflecting the unyielding spirit of the American people and the persistent dynamism of the financial market. It’s a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors rubbing the bull’s nose, horns, and other parts for good luck.

Over the years, the Charging Bull has become more than just a piece of art; it’s a cultural landmark representing the ebullience and unpredictability of the stock market. Its presence on Wall Street is a vivid reminder of the city’s resilience and its pivotal role in the global financial system.

Fearless Girl Statue

The statue of the little girl, known as “Fearless Girl,” is another significant sculpture located in the financial district of New York City, near Wall Street. Created by artist Kristen Visbal and installed on March 7, 2017, the statue depicts a young girl standing defiantly with her hands on her hips and chin held high, facing the Charging Bull.

The “Fearless Girl” was commissioned by State Street Global Advisors, an investment firm, in conjunction with its campaign to advocate for gender diversity and encourage companies to add more women to their boards. Initially, the statue was meant to be a temporary installation, commemorating International Women’s Day, but it quickly garnered widespread attention and acclaim.

The statue’s placement in front of the Charging Bull was symbolic, representing the power of women in leadership and the potential challenges they face in male-dominated environments like Wall Street. The juxtaposition of the Fearless Girl facing the bull captured the imagination of many and sparked conversations about gender equality and empowerment in the corporate world.

Due to its popularity and the conversations it stirred, the statue was allowed to remain longer than initially planned. In December 2018, “Fearless Girl” was moved to a new location in front of the New York Stock Exchange, continuing its role as a symbol of female empowerment and advocacy for gender diversity in the corporate and financial sectors.