The stages of the market can be divided into 4 main phases:
Accumulation – Usually occurs after a downtrend and resembles a sideways accumulation phase.
Trend (upward or downward) – After the price breaks out of the accumulation zone, the market enters a stage with a clear trend.
Distribution – Typically appears after a strong trending phase, and like accumulation, looks like a sideways phase.
Re-accumulation / Re-distribution – These are small and sideways movements, indicating that there is activity of accumulating or distributing positions.