Yes, the Market Will Crash Again: Are You Ready?

Investment experts are sure the market will crash again. The advice is not to run for the hills but to prepare. A defensive option is Brookfield Renewable stock, whose growth should accelerate over the next five years.

| More on:

The coronavirus fear is back with a vengeance and causing unease in the stock market. Even the news that U.S. president Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19 caused a mild shock on Canadian equities. The pandemic situation is far from over, and if it grows steadily worse, investors must be ready for the last-quarter storm.

Panic gripped stock markets back in February and March 2020. The market rout saw the S&P/TSX Composite post its most significant single-day decline since 1940, plunging 12.34% on March 12, 2020. It sunk to 11,228.50 seven trading days later. Canada’s main index erased four years of gains as a result.

If coronavirus cases surge again and trigger strict lockdowns, the next bloodletting could be worse than the March free fall. Other factors, such as the U.S. presidential elections and rising unemployment, can further destabilize the environment.

Don’t panic: Hang around

Investment experts are not advising people to run for the hills. You’ll incur losses by owning bad stocks, but you can ride out the storm with quality companies. Prepare by re-balancing or de-risking your portfolio. Investing requires that you match your risk tolerance and time horizon, whether mayhem is coming or not.

Imagine sailing a ship in rough waters. When the waves are wild, you need to balance the ride by adding a heftier keel. The keels could be bonds or gold, which are known as safe assets during market downturns. If you’re holding onto stocks, make sure to pick those with defensive qualities.

Many believe the situation will get worse before it gets better, so you’ll have to hang around for a while. In Canada, fiscal supports like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) are vital to maintain spending and avoid financial distress. New emergency measures are in place to provide an uninterrupted backstop to household incomes.

Perfect keel

Aside from bonds and gold, the renewable energy industry is the third option to counter potential market carnage. The industry is evolving, and growth should accelerate over the next five years.

Power producer Brookfield Renewable (TSX:BEP.UN)(NYSE:BEP) is well positioned to deliver high-powered earnings and dividend growth through 2025. This $13.08 billion company is benefiting from technological advances and lower construction costs, according to its CEO Sachin Shah.

The early leader in the renewable energy space focuses on hydroelectric power before, but adding more solar, wind, and energy storage platforms is ongoing. Likewise, investors can expect a stream of acquisitions and development projects.

Thus far, in 2020, the utility stock’s gain is +52.38% versus the -5.06% of the TSX. Brookfield Renewable has been raising dividends since 2000 by 6% annually. Currently, the yield is a respectable 3.23%. With incredible growth potential ahead, you have the perfect keel to navigate the rough seas.

Precautionary steps

The flare-ups in new COVID-19 cases will stall, if not prevent, a full economic recovery in Canada and elsewhere in the world. Likewise, political events and permanent job losses can incite another market crash.

Thus, it becomes imperative to take precautionary steps like re-balancing or de-risking your portfolio. We’re not sure if the last quarter storm will have the same intensity as the tsunami in mid-March 2020.

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

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Want a 7% Yield? The 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These TSX stocks are offering high yields of over 7%, making them attractive for investors seeking steady passive income.

Read more »

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $200 Right Now

These smartest dividend stocks can consistently pay and increase their dividends in the coming years, irrespective of the macro uncertainty.

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

3 Utility Stocks That Are Smart Buys for Canadians in November

These utility stocks benefit from regulated businesses and generate predictable cash flows that support higher dividend payouts.

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

Invest $10,000 in This Dividend Stock for $600 in Passive Income

Do you want to generate passive income? Forget the rental unit! This option will save you the mortgage yet still…

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Dividend Stocks

1 Reliable Dividend Stock for the Ultimate Retirement Income Stream

TD Bank (TSX:TD) shares are way too cheap with way too swollen a yield for retirees to pass up right…

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

Is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners a Buy for its 4.75% Yield?

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) has a 4.75% dividend yield. Is it worth it?

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »