Is a recession a good time to buy ETFs?
Key Takeaways. Investors looking to weather a recession can use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as one way to reduce risk through diversification. ETFs that specialize in consumer staples and non-cyclicals outperformed the broader market during the Great Recession and are likely to persevere in future downturns.
ETFs. Investment funds are a strategic option during a recession because they have built-in diversification, minimizing volatility compared to individual stocks. However, the fees can get expensive for certain types of actively managed funds.
- Defensive sector stocks and funds.
- Dividend-paying large-cap stocks.
- Government bonds and top-rated corporate bonds.
- Treasury bonds.
- Gold.
- Real estate.
- Cash and cash equivalents.
Such a thing actually works against the market and can worsen or bring about another recession. Contrary to popular thought, investing during a recession may be more fruitful than you realize. Despite your gut instinct to divest or shift from stocks to bonds, smart investing during a recession is a great opportunity.
Investing in funds, such as exchange-traded funds and low-cost index funds, is often less risky than investing in individual stocks — something that might be especially attractive during a recession.
ETF | Expense Ratio |
---|---|
iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV) | 0.05% |
Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) | 0.04% |
The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) | 0.1% |
The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) | 0.1% |
Cash, large-cap stocks and gold can be good investments during a recession. Stocks that tend to fluctuate with the economy and cryptocurrencies can be unstable during a recession.
Most stocks and high-yield bonds tend to lose value in a recession, while lower-risk assets—such as gold and U.S. Treasuries—tend to appreciate.
Where to put money during a recession. Putting money in savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs keeps your money safe in an FDIC-insured bank account (or NCUA-insured credit union account). Alternatively, invest in the stock market with a broker.
Industries affected most include retail, restaurants, travel/tourism, leisure/hospitality, service purveyors, real estate, & manufacturing/warehouse.
Should I cash out my investments before a recession?
Losses aren't real until you sell. Some investors believe that by selling during a downturn, they can wait out difficult market conditions and reinvest when the market looks better. However, timing the market is extremely difficult, and even professionals who attempt to do this fail more often than not.
- Seek Out Core Sector Stocks. During a recession, you might be inclined to give up on stocks, but experts say it's best not to flee equities completely. ...
- Focus on Reliable Dividend Stocks. ...
- Consider Buying Real Estate. ...
- Purchase Precious Metal Investments. ...
- “Invest” in Yourself.
The S&P 500 usually declines sharply during a recession
With that in mind, the U.S. economy has suffered 10 recessions since the S&P 500 was created in 1957. The chart below details the index's peak decline during those economic downturns.
In almost every case, the S&P 500 has bottomed out roughly four months before the end of a recession. The index typically hits a high seven months before the start of a recession. During the last four recessions since 1990, the S&P 500 declined an average of 8.8%, according to data from CFRA Research.
What Are the Worst Things to Invest in During Inflation? Some of the worst investments during high inflation are retail, technology, and durable goods because spending in these areas tends to drop.
Many people who owned stocks that went down a lot would have been OK eventually, except they bought on margin and were ruined. The best performing investments during the Depression were government bonds (many corporations stopped paying interest on their bonds) and annuities.
Symbol | Name | 5-Year Return |
---|---|---|
URA | Global X Uranium ETF | 22.25% |
XLK | Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund | 22.05% |
IYW | iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 21.61% |
XHB | SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF | 20.89% |
The Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF TJUL is the world's first ETF to promise no losses to investors. This product seeks to track the return of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY, up to a cap of 16.6%, while buffering investors against 100% of losses over the outcome period of two years.
Ticker | Fund name | 5-year return |
---|---|---|
SOXX | iShares Semiconductor ETF | 30.70% |
XLK | Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund | 24.57% |
IYW | iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 24.09% |
FTEC | Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF | 22.79% |
Key Takeaways. Investors looking to weather a recession can use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as one way to reduce risk through diversification. ETFs that specialize in consumer staples and non-cyclicals outperformed the broader market during the Great Recession and are likely to persevere in future downturns.
What assets make money in recession?
Riskier assets like stocks and high-yield bonds tend to lose value in a recession, while gold and U.S. Treasuries appreciate. Shares of large companies with ample, steady cash flows and dividends tend to outperform economically sensitive stocks in downturns.
For investors, “cash is king during a recession” sums up the advantages of keeping liquid assets on hand when the economy turns south. From weathering rough markets to going all-in on discounted investments, investors can leverage cash to improve their financial positions.
CDs are a relatively risk-free way to grow your funds, but they also have some downsides. Mapping out plans to build your savings can be challenging, especially when interest rates fluctuate. A certificate of deposit (CD) is a good alternative if you're risk-averse when it comes to investing.
What are the best selling products during a recession? Items like personal hygiene, household items, pet food, diapers, food and beverages, and cleaning products all sell well during an economic recession. These items are either used frequently or are required for consumers to live happy, healthy lives.
Lower prices — A recession often hits after a long period of sky-high consumer prices. At the onset of a recession, these prices suddenly drop, balancing out previous long inflationary costs. As a result, people on fixed incomes can benefit from new, lower prices, including real estate sales.
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