The U.S. economy fell into a technical recession following back-to-back quarters of negative GDP growth in the first half of 2022 as rampant and broad-based price inflation affected businesses and consumers.
Looking ahead to 2023, economists and market analysts agree that the country will begin to see the real pain of an economic downturn. While experts can debate the size and scope of an economic contraction, how can households and investors shield themselves from the storm clouds? This is what the typical person wants to know.  
Defensive Sectors and Dividend Investing
First, what sectors should be on your radar?
This past spring, Goldman Sachs released its recession manual to help prepare clients for a downturn. The document noted that in the five recessions since 1981, the top four sectors have been consumer staples, energy, health care, and utilities….