They are, in many cases, designed to perform in an almost opposite direction to the market. If you want an investment that goes up when stocks are going down, chances are you have to invest in something that went down while stocks went up. Look at your own portfolio. If you don't do something about it now, later could be too late. Safe haven during bad economic times Natural Resources Could initially move in tandem with the market.
Hard assets are an attractive alternative to stocks during bear markets.
Stock Market Hedge funds Work opposite to the market. As the market falls, they are designed to react positively. Both long and short stocks at the same time. Can take advantage of a market decline. Good parking place to wait out the bear.