Rising oil prices have rattled the markets, and more than 40% of Americans now believe we may be headed toward an “economic collapse” in the next decade, according to a March 2026 poll from YouGov.

It’s important to clarify that there’s no way to know for certain whether the U.S. will face a recession or a bear market in 2026. But the good news is that no matter what’s coming for the market, it doesn’t have to affect your investing strategy. Here’s why.

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The hidden advantage of investing during a recession

Investing during periods of volatility can be unnerving, and nobody likes watching a portfolio sink as stock prices plunge. However, while it may sound counterintuitive, recessions are among the best times…