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

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.