The stock market in 2026 shows signs of potential crash with a slowing labor market, risk of AI bubble collapse, and high CAPE ratio. Investors turned to precious metals for defense, but late-January price drops may prompt caution. Three ETFs offer safety strategies for uncertain times, including low-volatility S&P 500 names with dividend stability.

The Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) focuses on stable S&P 500 members like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, offering a 2% dividend yield. SPLV underperforms during bull runs but provides downside protection in bear markets, with returns under 6% in the last year.

The Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN) combines U.S. Treasurys and S&P 500 options for protected market exposure. SWAN offers a 2.86% dividend yield and has returned just over 10% in the last year, providing a defensive approach with a 0.49% expense ratio.

The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) boosts exposure to long-dated Treasurys with a 4.44% dividend yield and a 0.15% expense ratio. TLT offers stability in a market crash, making it attractive to defensive investors seeking diversification and potential yield bonus.

Read more at Nasdaq: 3 ETFs Designed to Survive the Next Market Crash