If you're worried about potential volatility, here's how to keep your portfolio safe.
Despite currently experiencing a booming bull market (with the S&P 500 up by more than 48% from its low in 2022), many investors are already worried about when stocks will take a turn for the worse.
The market can be incredibly unpredictable in the short term, so it's anyone's guess how long this bull market might last. But downturns are a natural part of the market's cycle, so we do know that at some point, a bear market is unavoidable.
Image source: Getty Images.
In some cases, a stock market crash can also occur during periods of volatility. Crashes are generally defined as a steep drop that happens in a short time -- like the crash in early 2020 when the S&P 500 plummeted by roughly 30% in a matter of weeks.
Now, there's no way to know for certain when the next market crash will hit. That said, it can be helpful to understand how they affect your money, as well as how to start preparing so that your portfolio is as protected as possible.
Where does your money go during a market crash?
One of the more confusing aspects of market downturns for many investors is where the money actually goes. If you have a certain amount in your investment account and that balance drops during a market crash, what happens to that money?
It doesn't actually go anywhere, as confusing as it may seem. While it appears that you're losing money during a market crash, in reality, it's just your stocks losing value.
For example, say you buy 10 shares of a stock priced at $100 per share, so your total account balance is $1,000. If that stock price drops to $80 per share, those shares are now only worth $800. If you choose to sell, you'll be out $200 because you paid $1,000 but only earned $800 back. That doesn't mean that $200 has gone to any other investor; rather, your investments simply aren't worth as much now as they were when you first purchased.
Choosing to sell is the key element here, though. Say that instead of selling, you simply held onto your shares and waited for the market to rebound. Eventually, say your stock climbs back to $100 per share, and your balance is back where you started at $1,000. If you sell at this point, you won't have lost anything.
The simplest way to protect your money
Nobody knows when the next market crash may occur. But that doesn't mean you can't start preparing anyway so that you'll be ready when it happens.
Perhaps the simplest way to protect your money against any type of market volatility is to take a buy-and-hold approach. Again, you technically don't lose any money in the stock market unless you sell your investments. If you simply hold your stocks until the market rebounds, your stocks should regain their value.
The key is to ensure you're investing in strong stocks that have the ability to weather market turbulence. These stocks will still likely experience short-term ups and downs, but as long as the companies behind them are healthy, they're far more likely to see their prices rebound when the market inevitably recovers.
The stock market can be daunting at times, especially when nobody knows precisely when the next downturn will happen. But by investing in quality stocks and holding those investments for the long term, you can rest easier knowing your portfolio is well-positioned to survive even the worst crashes.
FAQs
Where is your money safe if the stock market crashes? Money held in an interest bearing account like a money market account, a savings account or others is generally safe from losses stemming from a stock market decline. Bonds, including various Treasury securities can also be a safe haven.
Do I lose all my money if the stock market crashes? ›
While it appears that you're losing money during a market crash, in reality, it's just your stocks losing value. For example, say you buy 10 shares of a stock priced at $100 per share, so your total account balance is $1,000. If that stock price drops to $80 per share, those shares are now only worth $800.
How do you protect your investments from a market crash? ›
Investors can preserve their capital by diversifying holdings over different asset classes and choosing assets that are non-correlating. Put options and stop-loss orders can stem the bleeding when the prices of your investments start to drop. Dividends buttress portfolios by increasing your overall return.
Where does the money go after a stock market crash? ›
A decrease in implicit value, for instance, leaves the owners of the stock with a loss in value because their asset is now worth less than its original price. Again, no one else necessarily receives the money; it simply vanishes due to investors' perceptions.
Can the bank take your money if the stock market crashes? ›
You can keep money in a bank account during a recession and it will be safe through FDIC and NCUA deposit insurance. Up to $250,000 is secure in individual bank accounts and $500,000 is safe in joint bank accounts.
What is the safest fund during a market crash? ›
Options to consider include federal bond funds, municipal bond funds, taxable corporate funds, money market funds, dividend funds, utilities mutual funds, large-cap funds, and hedge funds.
Why do 90% of people lose money in the stock market? ›
Lack of Risk Management
This can include setting stop-loss orders to limit losses, diversifying your positions to spread risk, and avoiding risky trades beyond your position sizing limits. Unfortunately, many traders fail to implement a solid risk management plan and take on more risk than they can handle.
What happens to your money in the bank during a recession? ›
Your money will be secured in a bank account during a recession, but only if the bank is FDIC-insured. And if you bank with a credit union, your money is secured if the credit union is insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
Do I need to pull my money out of the stock market? ›
Unlike the rapidly dwindling balance in your brokerage account, cash will still be in your pocket or in your bank account in the morning. However, while moving to cash might feel good mentally and help you avoid short-term stock market volatility, it is unlikely to be a wise move over the long term.
Can I lose my 401k if the market crashes? ›
The odds are the value of your retirement savings may decline if the market crashes. While this doesn't mean you should never invest, you should be patient with the market and make long-term decisions that can withstand time and market fluctuation.
How to prepare yourself for a recession
- Reassess your budget every month. ...
- Contribute more toward your emergency fund. ...
- Focus on paying off high-interest debt accounts. ...
- Keep up with your usual contributions. ...
- Evaluate your investment choices. ...
- Build up skills on your resume. ...
- Brainstorm innovative ways to make extra cash.
Key Takeaways: The 100-minus-your-age long-term savings rule is designed to guard against investment risk in retirement. If you're 60, you should only have 40% of your retirement portfolio in stocks, with the rest in bonds, money market accounts and cash.
Can I lose my IRA if the market crashes? ›
A recession could result in a lower IRA balance, but that's not guaranteed to happen. If a recession does negatively impact your IRA, your best bet is to do nothing. It's a good idea to have an emergency fund for surprise expenses that could pop up during a recession, so you can let your IRA recover.
What happens to mortgages if the stock market crashes? ›
In summary though, stock market crashes tend to be good for the mortgage industry overall, as they result in lower rates and an immediate upswing in refis.
What to do when you lose all your money in the stock market? ›
The Investor's Recovery Plan: What to Do If You've Lost Money in the Stock Market
- Recognize When It's Really a Loss. ...
- Go Easy on Yourself. ...
- Avoid Tax Mistakes. ...
- Cut Losses Short. ...
- Invest Again. ...
- Diversify Your Portfolio. ...
- Seeking Help When You've Lost Money in the Stock Market.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Because they invest in real estate, REIT performance may be less correlated to the stock market, making them a good hedge against crashes. As an added bonus, they generally pay higher dividends than many other investments.
Where do you put money when the stock market is down? ›
Look into options like bonds, treasury bills, or other fixed-income securities, as they tend to be more stable during market downturns. Additionally, consider investing in alternative assets like real estate, commodities, or even cryptocurrencies, which can have different market dynamics compared to traditional stocks.
Where do I move money before stock market crash? ›
Just remember that interest rates are near all-time lows, and inflation erodes the value of cash so you don't want your money to sit in cash for too long. Consider putting your money into a money market fund or high-yield savings account to get the best interest rates.
Where does the money go when the economy crashes? ›
During recessions, one of the primary culprits responsible for money vanishing into thin air is the collapse of banks. As financial institutions crumble under the weight of bad loans and dwindling assets, they often go belly up, taking the money entrusted to them along for the ride.
