Have investment accounts for decades....
Went to cash before Jan 2022, so down about 1.7% for last 12 months. On the sidelines not holding stocks, Now portfolio is only about 2% in stocks. Have moved about 20% to I bonds, treasury bills, some corp. bonds, and laddered CD's.(can get 4%+ now) and that will rise with the inflation/interest rates probably.
Playing the dividend game currently. Daily buys and sells on or about ex-dividend dates.Making some money there.
Worst case scenario.for the next few months......
The inflation, and recession at the rates it's happening now, plus the political environment, may well mean 24-30 months more recession ...stocks may continue to fall. (historically that may indicate the pattern)
IMHO