Should You “Tail Hedge” for a Black Swan Market Crash?

The COVID-19 pandemic is a black swan event, which means it’s a period of great uncertainty. Tail-hedging with a gold stock like the Barrick Gold stock can limit the potential losses in panic-plagued markets.

| More on:

The global phenomenon that is COVID-19 is what many analysts call a “black swan” event. It’s dark and morbid, because markets around the world are facing a significant amount of uncertainty. Stock markets, including the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), fell to all-time lows in March 2020.

Although indexes are bouncing back, the actual economic impact of coronavirus is still unknown. Nasser Talem, the author of the book Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable, told CNBC that individual and institutional investors should prepare to withstand big swings in economic conditions.

The author recommends the use of a tail hedge. If not, stay away from the market.

Black swan

A black swan event is the worst nightmare of investors. It’s a term for an improbable and unforeseen circumstance. The effect of the pandemic is unprecedented and strange. Most stock markets are rising, even if COVID-19 is still around. The spread of coronavirus is re-intensifying and likely to prevent a sharp or quick economic recovery.

The U.S., Canada, and other nations are ramping up spending to cushion the pandemic’s impact.  In Canada, the government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan will reach about $765 billion. The expensive stimulus package delivers financial support to businesses and individuals. It also includes tax and customs deferrals.

No one can anticipate a pandemic. COVID-19 exposes the fact that economies are not recession-proof. You can throw out economic modelling and risk assessment wherever you are in the world. A novel global recession is happening.

Tail hedge

When risks are swirling in the market, Talem recommends a tail hedge. Tail-hedging is one strategy where investors can potentially limit losses in adverse markets. It can enable investors to stick with their positions through bad times and stay invested long term. Sometimes, it creates an opportunity to scoop risky assets at fire-sale prices.

If you’re going to follow the advice and use the tail hedge strategy, your investment choice should be efficient and must work well during a crisis.

Shining hedge

A shining example of a good hedge is Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD), the world’s largest gold producer. Gold, whether it’s the precious metal or stock, is the traditional haven of panic-stricken investors. Barrick can provide liquidity and protection.

The shares of this $64 billion explorer and mine developer are outperforming the general market. Current holders are enjoying a 50.27% gain thus far. This top-tier gold stock is also paying a 0.75% dividend.

Barrick’s mine operations and development projects are vast and cross the continents of North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. The company is one of Canada’s fast-growing exporters of gems and precious metals.

A low-rate environment also favours the gold industry, as the price of the yellow metal could go higher. You can shake off the coronavirus if you own gold stocks. Some experts say gold stocks are the best assets to counter fiscal recklessness in 2020.

Gold bug

The COVID-19 outbreak is impacting a lot of industries, and the effects will linger. Expect the market uncertainty to amplify as economies get hit next. You can be a gold bug to hedge against the black swan.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Asset Management
Dividend Stocks

A 10% Dividend Yield Today! But Here’s Why I’m Buying This TSX Stock for the Long Term 

A 10% dividend yield stock has risks in the short term but growth in the long term. This stock is…

Read more »

Transparent umbrella under heavy rain against water drops splash background. Rainy weather concept.
Dividend Stocks

The Safest Dividend Stocks That Could Pay Big Bucks Forever

These two safe Canadian Dividend Aristocrats could help you earn safe income for decades to come.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend ETFs to Buy to Generate Passive Income

High-yield dividend ETFs can be major winners in any portfolio, offering diversification, returns, and security. But which are the best?

Read more »

jar with coins and plant
Dividend Stocks

Want $97 in Super-Safe Monthly Dividend Income? Invest $15,000 in These 3 Ultra-High-Yield Stocks 

Do you have a lump sum amount and are worried you will spend it all? Consider investing in dividend stocks…

Read more »

woman looks out at horizon
Dividend Stocks

Top Picks: 3 Canadian Dividend Stocks for Stress-Free Passive Income

Do you want passive income? These three offer not just strong passive income now, but a large future opportunity for…

Read more »

hand stacking money coins
Dividend Stocks

Invest $500 Per Month to Create $335 in Passive Income in 2025

By investing $500 per month into a high yield stock like First National Financial (TSX:FN), you could get $337 in…

Read more »

The sun sets behind a power source
Dividend Stocks

Fortis Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Fortis has delivered attractive long-term total returns for investors.

Read more »

worker carries stack of pizza boxes for delivery
Dividend Stocks

Is Restaurant Brands International Stock a Buy for its 3.3% Dividend Yield?

QSR stock still trades near 52-week highs yet offers a pretty good dividend as well. So, is it worth it,…

Read more »