Long-term investors will face numerous bear markets, during which they should generally take a defensive posture, avoiding the fast-growing but often money-losing stocks that are the performance leaders in better times.

Due to falling stock prices, investors tend not to want to add shares in a bear market. However, many industries serve needs that remain constant in good times and bad, and other stocks that suffer during these times will likely recover. 

Investing in index funds is a popular choice. For those with little interest in investing, it provides an entry into specific stock categories through a diversified and safe approach.

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Source Fool.com