How does the stock market typically respond to economic expansion?

The stock market typically experiences growth during periods of economic expansion because companies tend to generate higher earnings in favorable economic conditions. As the economy expands, consumer spending often increases, leading to greater demand for goods and services. This, in turn, boosts the revenue and profits of businesses. Investors recognize these positive trends, which leads to increased confidence in the market and drives stock prices higher.

Economic expansion is generally accompanied by low unemployment rates and a positive business environment, allowing companies to invest more in growth and innovation. Therefore, strong company performance and optimistic investor sentiment contribute to a bullish stock market during such times. This cycle of increasing earnings and favorable economic indicators explains why option C correctly reflects the typical behavior of the stock market in response to economic expansion.