5 ways to know if the bull is over

Before it keels over, a bull market typically leaves a few road signs. Here's what to keep an eye on - from Money Magazine.

By Paul R. La Monica, CNNMoney.com editor at large

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Since Money Magazine last examined the health of the bull market (and pronounced it sound), consumer spending began slowing, several prominent buyout deals unraveled, and oh yeah - concerns about subprime mortgage loans going bad caused stocks to fall off a cliff.

After closing above 14,000 for the first time in late July, the Dow has since plunged nearly 1400 points, or 9.8 percent, close to an official correction. The S&P 500 has given up all of its gains for the year.

All this has added a certain cogency to the view that the five-year-old bull could be closer to the end of its road. So while you know better than to try to time the market - and you do, don't you? - now is a good moment to check that your portfolio truly matches your appetite for risk.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for five signs that often precede a sharp turn ahead.

Outlook Oil prices Treasury yields Number of rising stocks Consumer spending Corporate earnings growth

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