NASDAQ:KAR 1 January 2026

June 28, 2026, 10:12 PM EDT. Recent IMF research reveals that bonds may no longer serve as reliable diversifiers during stock market downturns due to increased positive correlation with stocks since 2019. Traditional wisdom that bonds rise when stocks fall is challenged. Instead, adding commodities like precious metals could offer better portfolio protection. ETFs such as iShares Silver Trust (SLV), which tracks silver bullion and has returned 21.75% annually over five years, and VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) provide exposure to these assets. Silver's sharp 147.9% gain in 2025 reflects inflation concerns and industrial demand but also comes with volatility, having dropped 50% since its January peak. Investors should weigh risks carefully when seeking diversification beyond stocks and bonds.