LOOP EXIT PREDICTOR

A processor includes a prediction engine coupled to a training engine. The prediction engine includes a loop exit predictor. The training engine includes a loop exit branch monitor coupled to a loop detector. Based on at least one of a plurality of call return levels, the loop detector of the processor takes a snapshot of a retired predicted block during a first retirement time, compares the snapshot to a subsequent retired predicted block at a second retirement time, and based on the comparison, identifies a loop and loop exit branches within the loop for use by the loop exit branch monitor and the loop exit predictor to determine whether to override a general purpose conditional prediction.