The transcript indicates that bonds generally perform better than stocks during recessions due to stable cash flows and the potential for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Cash also maintains its value, and gold can serve as a hedge, although it's noted to be a volatile asset. Consumer defensive stocks (like consumer staples) also tend to hold up better than other sectors.
The "bucket approach" involves dividing retirement funds into three buckets: 1-2 years' worth of withdrawals in cash; 5-8 years' worth in fixed income or moderately allocated funds; and the remainder in stocks. This strategy allows retirees to draw from the cash bucket during market downturns, avoiding selling stocks at depressed prices.
Large companies tend to perform better during recessions because they typically have more diversified business lines, stronger balance sheets, and are better able to withstand periods of economic weakness compared to smaller companies that may rely on a single business line, have higher debt, and less financial flexibility.
This Morningstar, Inc. video discusses investment strategies to mitigate portfolio losses during a recession. The speakers analyze historical recession data to identify asset classes, investment styles, and equity sectors that performed best and worst. The discussion is particularly relevant given growing recessionary fears due to trade war uncertainties.