Recession-proof asset allocation: how much could you lose?

What does a recession do to a portfolio?

A recession hits each asset differently. In a typical post-war downturn stocks fall about 35% from peak to trough, while high-quality bonds and cash usually hold or rise a little. Your loss is the weighted average of those moves, so the mix you hold decides how deep the dip feels.

A severe, systemic crisis (2008 style) is harsher: stocks can fall 50%, crypto 60% and property 15%, while bonds and gold tend to gain. These are illustrative planning numbers, not forecasts.