2026 Stock Market Crash Coming? 3 Best ETFs to Protect You Now

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential for a stock market crash in 2026 and suggests three exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that could help investors protect their portfolios during this period of uncertainty [1]. Group 1: Suggested ETFs - Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND): This ETF offers a yield of 4.17% and focuses on U.S. government bonds, which have historically performed well during market downturns. It consists of 69.07% U.S. government bonds and has a low annualized expense ratio of 0.03% [1]. - iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV): This ETF includes 175 holdings of stocks that typically exhibit lower volatility. It has a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 1.48% and an annualized expense ratio of 0.15%. The fund has risen 3.5% over the past year [1]. - State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU): Concentrating on the utilities sector, this ETF has 31 stocks and a 2.48% annualized distribution yield. It has increased by 18% over the past year and has a low expense ratio of 0.08% [1]. Group 2: Market Context - Historical trends indicate that midterm election years are often challenging for the S&P 500, suggesting that investors should prepare for potential market volatility in 2026 [1]. - The article emphasizes the importance of diversifying portfolios with safer assets to mitigate risks associated with a possible market crash [1].