The U.S. economy fell into a technical recession following back-to-back quarters of negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first half of 2022, as rampant and broad-based price inflation affected businesses and consumers.
Defensive Stocks
First, which sectors should be on an investor’s radar?Meanwhile, higher interest rates have made high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, and certificates of deposit (CDs) more attractive. However, with the real interest rate (inflation-adjusted) still negative, it might not be enough to protect the net worth of families.
This is where dividend investing comes into play, as it can generate passive income.
A dividend is the distribution of a company’s earnings to shareholders that is paid out monthly or quarterly. For example, PepsiCo’s annual dividend yield is 2.66 percent, meaning it pays investors $1.15 per share every three months.
There are several types of dividend stocks in the U.S. stock market, including dividend “aristocrats” and dividend “kings.” The former are businesses that have raised their dividend payouts for a minimum of 25 straight years (e.g., ExxonMobil, Target Corp., Walmart). The latter are companies that have increased their dividends for at least 50 years (e.g., 3M, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble).
Inflation Bonds
In today’s inflationary environment, one of the most popular investment tools has been inflation-protected bonds, or I-bonds.When investors factor in volatility and uncertainty, it becomes “a no-brainer,” according to Mel Lindauer, founder and former president of the John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy.
One disadvantage of I-bonds is that investors can purchase only a maximum of $10,000 a year. That’s because they are primarily intended for small savers and investors.
Large investors prefer Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS), which also include an element of inflation protection. Investors face no constraints when purchasing TIPS.
TIPS, unlike I-bonds, may be subject to short-term financial loss because their market value may fluctuate before maturity, according to Lindauer.
Is the US Dollar Still King?
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, has been on a tear in 2022, rallying about 14 percent, to around 109.00.The greenback’s strength has been buoyed by rising demand for conventional safe-haven assets. Global investors have been fleeing to the dollar in response to the Federal Reserve’s tightening campaign, volatility in the equities arena, and weakness in other major currencies, such as the euro, yen, or British pound.
Is it too late for investors to dive into currency investing, or is there more room for growth? Market experts anticipate an elevated U.S. dollar for some time, particularly if the global economy slips into a recession and the Fed becomes more aggressive.
Does Gold Still Glitter?
Gold has been the premier safe-haven asset during times of chaos. But why has the yellow metal tumbled about 6 percent, to less than $1,800 per ounce, in an inflationary climate and slowing economy?There have been two main reasons: a surging U.S. dollar and rising Treasury yields.
A stronger dollar is bearish for dollar-denominated commodities (such as gold) because it makes them more expensive for foreign investors to purchase. In addition, gold typically is sensitive in a rising-rate economy because it lifts the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.
ETFs for Recessions
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have exploded in popularity for both passive and active investors. They have been around for more than three decades, but ETF demand has spiked amid tax advantages, lower costs, and thematic investing. On an international scale, the value of assets managed by ETFs is more than $10 trillion.While there is an ETF for nearly everything in the global economy, are there any ETFs that could weather a recession storm? Market experts typically recommend ETFs that specialize in dividend-appreciation companies, consumer staples, food, and low volatility.
Updating Investment Strategies
Investment experts contend that one of the best methods to employ is to update trading styles.A common investing tactic is dollar-cost averaging. This is when investors regularly purchase shares of stocks or ETFs in about the same amounts, usually each month. By engaging in this practice, retail investors can avoid buying at all-time highs, prevent themselves from trying to time the market, and eventually lower the average share price.
Another simple measure is diversification.
During the 2020–2021 market euphoria phase, for example, investors poured into tech stocks, such as Alphabet (Google) or Netflix. This might have worked in an easy-money environment, but a tightening climate requires diversification. So, an updated portfolio during a recession could include exposure to real estate investment trusts, commodities, index funds, emerging markets, and bonds.
At the same time, it’s crucial not to over-extend a portfolio, becoming almost unmanageable for average investors.
In addition, many seasoned and novice traders make either one of two mistakes: trying to time a bottom or panic selling. Both are risky bets, especially for long-term investors, since they might lose out on enormous gains. Market strategists assert that recessions and bear markets are the best periods to build positions to achieve long-term goals.
