Get Ready: 5 Reasons a Second Market Crash Is Imminent

A second market crash is still possible for 2020. Here are five reasons market volatility is set to increase, and here is one way to prepare!

| More on:

A second market crash is still not out of the question for 2020. While there has been a significant amount of hype in North American stock markets, investors need to be cautious. There are multiple risk factors that could drastically challenge market momentum for the rest of the year.

Here are five major risks that could cause markets to plunge at any time.

Market crash risk 1: COVID-19

The first and most obvious risk factor is the surge of COVID-19 cases across the world (and especially in the U.S.). Last week, it recorded its largest single-day increase in cases. In fact, California just reinstated its second state-wide shutdown.

The reality is, as long as there is no vaccine (this still could take years to develop and fully distribute), the coronavirus will continue to hamper a global economic recovery. As long as economies are troubled, it is hard to see how stocks can continue to go up. Further centralized shutdowns could cause markets to plunge again.

Risk 2: Government stimulus subsides

The second risk comes from the easing of central bank and government stimulus policy. While quantitative easing programs, low interest rates, and various forms of income stimulus (like the CERB) are keeping businesses and individuals afloat, they can’t be permanent.

At some point, governments will have to wean economies off of fiscal and monetary support. Most states can’t afford to do this forever (consider Canada’s projected $343 billion deficit). Yet, a pullback in easing has been ugly for past markets (considering late 2018), and markets could plunge again as a result.

Risk 3: Market valuations

Third, stocks just appear to be pricey. Despite seeing one of the worst economic recessions in history, stock markets are near all-time highs. Indexes continue to be buoyed by high-flying technology stocks like Shopify.

Of course, this has created concerns over a new tech bubble. Since they command such a high weighting in the indexes, any earnings disappointment (not impossible — just think of Netflix recently) could lead to another drastic market sell-off.

Risk 4: Geo-political risks

Fourth, tensions between China and the U.S. are escalating. It appears that China is using the distraction of the pandemic crisis to expand its influence in Hong Kong and throughout the South China Sea. As a result, we may once again see a further breakdown of economic and political relations between these two superpowers.

The last thing markets need right now is another trade war. An escalation in tensions could cause markets to plunge.

Market crash risk 5: U.S. elections

Finally, markets have yet to factor in concerns over the U.S. election in November. Markets hate uncertainty, so market volatility ought to heat up at as the campaign battle intensifies. In the fall, markets may begin to react alongside poll results. Any surprise could create another temporary market crash.

Be ready for more volatility

All this to say, get ready for more market volatility. While government stimulus and COVID-19 vaccine progress is offsetting the risk of another “major” (30% or worse) crash, a plunge of 10% to 15% is not unreasonable.

Investors need to have a diversified portfolio of stocks that are adequately balanced (income, safety, cyclical, and growth) for any market scenario.

Prepare for a market crash by owning this stock

One TSX stock that should hold up in a bull or bear market is Northland Power (TSX:NPI). It operates a 2.6 GW portfolio of off-shore and on-shore wind, solar, and biomass/gas powered projects, as well as a regulated electricity utility.

Regardless of the above risks, Northland should continue to benefit from strong secular demand for renewable power across the globe. It currently has a 1.1 GW development pipeline and it continues to diversify and grow its asset/cash flow base. Last quarter it brought a number of new projects online, so investors should see a nice uptick in cash flows this year.

Northland pays a 3.3% dividend, has a well-managed balance sheet, stable cash flows (average PPA of 10 years), and ample growth opportunities. This is one stock you can buy/hold and still expect great long-term returns in any market.

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 Robin Brown owns shares of NORTHLAND POWER INC. David Gardner owns shares of Netflix. Tom Gardner owns shares of Netflix and Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Netflix, Shopify, and Shopify.

More on Dividend Stocks

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

This 7.7 Percent Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month

This TSX income stock has been paying above-average yields for decades now.

Read more »

investment research
Dividend Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: TD Bank vs Manulife Financial?

TD and Manulife can both be interesting stock picks for today, depending on your investment style.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

These stocks are out of favour but could deliver nice returns over the coming years.

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5 Percent Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

This defensive retail REIT could be your ticket to high monthly income.

Read more »

Confused person shrugging
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $600 Per Month?

Do you want passive income coming in every single month? Here's how to make it and a top dividend ETF…

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

3 Monthly-Paying Dividend Stocks to Boost Your Passive Income

Given their healthy cash flows and high yields, these three monthly-paying dividend stocks could boost your passive income.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Blueprint to Generate $3,695.48 in Yearly Passive Income

The blueprint to generate yearly passive income in a TFSA is to maximize the contribution limits.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »