How to Prepare Your Portfolio for a Depression

TFSA investors who have ample cash should pick their spots very carefully if they’re looking to pick up value in the equity markets.

It’s been a brutal past few weeks. Depending on how the market moves this week, March could end up being the worst month on record since the Great Depression.

That’s a truly terrifying thought. While it’s a good idea to take a page out of Warren Buffett’s playbook by being greedy while others are fearful, it’s also prudent to maintain sufficient liquidity, as it continues drying up in aggregate. Because it’s possible to be too greedy at a time like this, especially if it turns out we’re in the early innings of this crisis.

Be patient: There’s no need to “chase” in this market

While it’s tempting to chase the most battered of cyclical stocks out there to get the most value amid the turmoil, it could prove to be a wiser idea to play defence, because there’s always a chance that the pandemic could trigger a depression if worse comes to worst.

And since the bond market is arguably “broken,” you’re going to want to pick your spots very carefully. There are fewer places to hide your money these times of crisis. As such, it’s vital not to invest any of the cash you intend on using over the next few years.

Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst

We’re in the midst of a biological crisis. Few things in this world are more uncertain and complex than biology. Thus, it’s essential to understand that the future is highly unpredictable and acknowledge the fact that a worst-case scenario could pan out.

A tonne of job losses have already happened, and while many layoffs could prove to be temporary in nature should a vaccine be developed sooner rather than later, one should be prepared for the worst as they hope for the best.

So, that means steering clear of cyclical value traps that could stand to implode further and businesses with unhealthy balance sheets. In times like these, cash is king. So, you’re going to want strong balance sheets, and defensive business models that can generate sufficient cash flows through times of severe economic hardship.

Play defence and be wary of unhealthy balance sheets

Ask yourself if a company you’re planning on investing in will be able to conduct business during a severe recession or a depression. Consider discount retailers like Dollarama or a severely battered “inferior goods” play like Restaurant Brands International.

While restaurants have taken on a brunt of the damage, today’s valuations are far too low. And once the pandemic is over and we’re in a recession (or depression), it will be the fast-food companies that are still alive that could stand to relatively well.

Foolish takeaway

When times are tough, consumers will tighten the belt and look to get the most out of the dollar. Discount retailers and well-capitalized restaurants are two defensive areas of the market that investors should consider if they’ve got enough dry powder to take advantage of the opportunities that have opened up over the last few weeks.

Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.

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 Joey Frenette owns shares of RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. The Motley Fool recommends RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC.

More on Coronavirus

A train passes Morant's curve in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Coronavirus

Retirees: What Rising Inflation Means for Your CPP Payments

If you aren't getting enough CPP, you can consider investing in stocks and ETFs. Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) is one…

Read more »

Coronavirus

Air Canada Stock Is Starting to Get Ridiculously Oversold

Air Canada (TSX:AC) has been beaten down to absurd lows.

Read more »

Coronavirus

Should You Buy Air Canada Stock While it’s Below $18?

Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock is below $18. Should you invest?

Read more »

Illustration of data, cloud computing and microchips
Stocks for Beginners

3 Canadian Stocks That Could Still Double in 2024

These three Canadians stocks have been huge winners already in 2024, but still have room to double again in the…

Read more »

Aircraft Mechanic checking jet engine of the airplane
Coronavirus

Can Air Canada Stock Recover in 2024?

Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock remains close to its COVID-19 era lows, even though its business has recovered.

Read more »

A airplane sits on a runway.
Coronavirus

3 Things to Know About Air Canada Stock Before You Buy

Air Canada stock continues to hover below $20 despite the sharp rise in travel demand seen across the industry. What's…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

If You Invested $1,000 in WELL Health in 2019, Here is What It’s Worth Now

WELL stock (TSX:WELL) has fallen pretty dramatically from all-time highs, but what if you bought just before the rise? Should…

Read more »

Coronavirus

2 Pandemic Stocks That Are Still Rising, and 1 Offering a Major Deal

There are some pandemic stocks that crashed and burned, while others have made a massive comeback. And this one stock…

Read more »