Long-term investing
How to use defensive asset classes and strategies to protect downside during prolonged bear markets.
In enduring declines, investors can combine diversified, defensive investments with disciplined risk controls to preserve capital, manage volatility, and position portfolios for later recovery while maintaining growth potential over the long term.
Published by
Steven Wright
August 07, 2025 - 3 min Read
During extended bear markets, defensive asset classes serve as anchors that reduce overall portfolio volatility and help preserve capital when broad markets are tense. Bonds, especially high-quality government securities or short-duration corporate issues, often behave differently than stocks and can provide a cushion as equity drawdowns deepen. Commodities and real assets may act countercyclically at times, offering inflation hedges that preserve purchasing power. A carefully constructed mix reduces correlations during stress periods, preventing a single asset class from dragging the entire portfolio into a downward spiral. Importantly, defensive positioning should reflect a well-defined framework rather than reactive, ad hoc moves.
Establishing a durable defensive posture begins with clear risk budgeting. Define a target maximum drawdown, set rules for rebalancing, and specify a minimum allocation to defensive assets that remains intact unless crisis conditions demand adjustment. Consider a ladder of bond maturities to balance income against interest-rate risk, and favor high-quality issuers with strong balance sheets. For equities, emphasize low-volatility or quality-oriented screens that prioritize profitability, durable moats, and steady cash flow. The objective is not to eliminate risk entirely but to convert volatility into manageable, expected ranges while preserving the core investment thesis.
Integrate quality bonds and real assets to anchor downside protection.
A practical approach to defensive diversification starts with core-alternative asset exposure that can endure prolonged downturns. Think of a blend that includes high-grade government bonds, investment-grade corporates, and select real assets such as infrastructure linked securities or timberland co-ownership, which may provide inflation protection. In addition, consider a modest allocation to tactical hedges that behave differently from equities, like currency hedges or volatility-controlled funds that adjust exposure as markets swing. The goal is to create a spectrum where at least one segment tends to hold up when others falter, thereby smoothing the ride without compromising long-term growth potential.
Equities still matter in a bear market, but not all equities are created equal. Favor companies with sustainable competitive advantages, durable earnings, and reasonable valuation multiples that withstand cyclicality. Focus on balance sheet strength, conservative payout policies, and resilient business models. Sector selection matters too; utilities, healthcare, and consumer staples often show greater resilience during downturns. Pair this with disciplined position sizing and a clear exit strategy if fundamentals deteriorate. By combining quality equities with defensive components, you preserve optionality for eventual recovery while limiting downside risk during the hardest months of a bear market.
Use tactical hedges and disciplined risk controls to limit losses.
In fixed income, credit risk management is essential during prolonged downturns. Favor shorter-duration bonds to reduce sensitivity to rising yields and to preserve liquidity, while maintaining enough yield to offset inflation where possible. Emphasize government debt as the safest anchor and use high-quality corporates to bridge returns as markets gyrate. Inflation-linked securities can offer protection when price levels accelerate downward pressure on purchasing power. Diversification across sovereign regions can also dampen country-specific shocks. The key is to balance safety, liquidity, and income so the fixed-income sleeve acts as a ballast rather than a source of stress.
Real assets bring a different kind of resilience because they derive value from tangible, enduring cash flows and supply constraints. Infrastructure projects, toll roads, and regulated utilities can provide predictable income streams that rise with inflation. Real estate exposure, especially through high-quality, cash-flow generating properties or specialized REITs, offers diversification from equities while preserving diversification benefits. While real assets carry their own cycles, they tend to behave distinctly from financial markets, helping stabilize portfolios when stock prices retreat. This non-correlation property enhances the defensive profile and improves the odds of positive returns when markets stumble.
Maintain liquidity and flexible financing to weather extended declines.
Tactical hedging involves price-insensitive or negatively correlated instruments that may pay off as markets deteriorate. Put options, protective collars, or dynamic downside protection strategies can help cap losses during sharp downturns, though they come at a cost. The objective is not to maximize speculative bets but to manage risk with a prudent expense. When implementing hedges, set predetermined buy/sell triggers aligned with your risk tolerance, and avoid overpaying for protection during calm periods. A measured approach ensures hedges remain available when stress returns, preserving capital without erasing the upside potential during recoveries.
Risk controls must be systematic and repeatable. Establish strict rules for rebalancing, such as targeting fixed bands around a strategic asset mix or using volatility-based triggers to adjust exposure. Regularly stress-test portfolios against plausible bear-market scenarios to quantify potential losses and confirm the effectiveness of defensive allocations. Mental models, not emotions, should guide decisions; write down the rationale for changes, and review outcomes with discipline. A robust risk-management culture helps investors resist knee-jerk moves that could erode long-term wealth, especially when headlines emphasize fear rather than fundamentals.
Craft a practical, repeatable plan combining strategies and assets.
Liquidity is the quiet hero in bear markets. Having a cash reserve or highly liquid assets provides options, reduces the need to sell at depressed prices, and allows timely opportunities when valuations become attractive. They also enable reallocation during temporary dislocations without compromising long-term plans. A practical approach is to keep a portion of the portfolio in short-term instruments or money-market funds that preserve principal while earning a modest yield. This liquidity buffer is not a vanity metric; it serves as a strategic tool to navigate uncertainty, fund defensive rotations, and avoid forced sales in adverse conditions.
Financing considerations should be structured, not opportunistic. If leverage exists, ensure terms are conservative and aligned with a long-term horizon. Revisit debt covenants, interest coverage, and maturity schedules to ensure resilience under stress. Use modest leverage only when the expected defensive benefits clearly exceed the costs. In bear markets, financing can either amplify returns or magnify losses depending on management. Keeping debt within conservative bounds protects against escalating rates and tightening credit, supporting a steadier path to recovery rather than a sharp, leverage-driven retrenchment.
A practical plan begins with a well-documented investment policy that codifies defensive allocations and behavioral rules. Write down target allocations for core defensive assets, rebalance frequency, and triggers for shifting between risk-on and risk-off posture. Include guidelines for evaluating new opportunities during drawdowns, focusing on fundamentals rather than sensational headlines. Establish an objective framework for measuring success that accounts for risk-adjusted returns, drawdown tolerance, and time to recovery. By embedding these rules in a transparent, repeatable process, investors reduce decision fatigue and stay committed to a strategy that has historically weathered cycles.
Finally, maintain a long-term perspective while staying adaptable. Bear markets test conviction and discipline, but history shows that disciplined, diversified defense can coexist with growth-oriented elements. Revisit expectations periodically, celebrate incremental progress, and adjust only when evidence supports a durable change in risk/return dynamics. Remember that defensive assets are not a static shield; they require ongoing oversight, quality selection, and cost awareness. With a thoughtfully designed mix and clear governance, portfolios can endure extended downturns and emerge stronger as fundamentals reassert themselves.
