After rising more than 20% in both 2023 and 2024, the S&P 500 Index added another 18% in 2025. But rising volatility during the first quarter of 2026 has investors wondering whether the bull market is intact.
Indeed, recent price action and the market's "fear index" rising well outside its normal range again is a good reminder to be ready for anything. That includes allocating some space in your portfolio for defensive stocks.
