The market cycle describes economic trends seen in many commercial settings and has four phases. The accumulation phase involves early buyers when prices are attractive but cautious. The markup phase sees rising volumes and valuations as sentiment turns bullish. The distribution phase is when traders start selling as the outlook shifts from bullish to mixed. The mark-down phase signals the start of a new accumulation phase as prices fall and investors exit positions, locking in profits. Overall, the market cycle analyzes general trends and patterns seen across different markets over time.