soft market; bearish market
Financial term for a market showing weakness or a downward trend. Often used in news reports and market commentary.
The Tokyo market was soft today, with the Nikkei average edging lower.
If the bearish market continues, investor sentiment will likely cool further.
Opposite term: a firm or bullish market.
Similar meaning, but 弱気相場 is a more common term for a bear market.
Compound of 弱含み (よわふくみ, 'showing weakness') and 市況 (しきょう, 'market conditions').