Which of the following describes a bearish strategy?

A bearish strategy is one that anticipates a decline in the price of an asset or the overall market. This approach typically involves taking positions that will increase in value as the market or asset price decreases. For instance, traders might sell short, buying back the asset later at a lower price to realize a profit, or they might use options like puts that become more valuable as the underlying asset's price falls.

This strategy is based on the belief that unfavorable market conditions or specific company issues will lead to lower prices. By opting for a bearish strategy, traders can effectively hedge against potential losses in the market or capitalize on bearish market trends. The other choices describe strategies that are either optimistic about market performance, avoid risk altogether, or focus on growth, which are not consistent with a bearish outlook.