Mark Cuban has never been shy about calling out risk. But while he's quick to warn about bubbles and bad bets, he's also been clear about where he puts his own money when markets turn volatile.
Across interviews, podcasts, and social media posts, the former "Shark Tank" star has highlighted a handful of investments he believes can withstand volatility, inflation, and economic slowdowns, while cautioning against the kind of dumb money moves that often surface during turbulent markets.
Here are four investments Cuban says can survive whatever comes next.
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Low-cost index funds
Cuban's most consistent investing advice is surprisingly simple: own the market.
He has repeatedly said that most people should focus on low-fee mutual funds or ETFs tied to broad market benchmarks, particularly the S&P 500, as the core of a portfolio. Instead of trying to pick individual winners, investors get broad exposure to hundreds of leading U.S. companies across sectors.
Why does he favor it? Because broad market exposure spreads risk. While individual companies can fail, the index historically reflects the long-term growth of the U.S. economy.
These funds capture the performance of hundreds of companies across sectors, reducing the risk that any single downturn derails a portfolio. During recessions, the S&P 500 can decline sharply. But over the decades, it has recovered and moved higher.
Cuban has said that saving regularly and investing in a low-cost S&P 500 fund "will pay off dividends" over time, a clear endorsement of long-term, diversified equity exposure over speculative timing. In other words, he prefers disciplined participation in the market rather than trying to beat it.
Select cryptocurrency exposure
The entrepreneur has described certain crypto holdings as "alternative assets that can serve as a hedge," while cautioning that not all tokens offer real value. Investors, he says, should focus on projects with real use cases rather than those driven by "a lot of noise and little value."
He has argued in particular that Bitcoin may be more functional than gold in a modern crisis. "People look at Bitcoin as a better version of gold, and I agree with that," the Dallas Mavericks minority owner said. "It's easier to buy and sell. You can fractionalize it, you can use it to buy things, and you can transfer it internationally." In his view, that utility is what gives it lasting value.
Bitcoin doesn't always move independently of stocks. During certain market sell-offs, it has fallen alongside other risk assets. Still, Cuban believes its long-term appeal lies in decentralization and limited supply.
One reason he cites is scarcity. There will only ever be 21 million Bitcoin, a fixed supply that contrasts with fiat currencies that central banks can expand.
"Bitcoin, in particular, and Ether, to a smaller extent, Bitcoin is just driven by supply and demand," Cuban said. "There's only going to be 21 million of them. The more people that buy, and the fewer people that sell, that means the price is going to go up. That's just the nature of it."
The billionaire has suggested that if someone wants to take a speculative swing, allocating a small percentage of a portfolio to crypto may make sense. But he emphasizes treating that allocation as high-risk capital, effectively assuming the money could be lost.
Investing in yourself and high-value skills
Perhaps Cuban's most enduring endorsement isn't a financial asset at all. It's investing in yourself.
He has advised young professionals to master AI integration skills so they can help any business improve operations with technology. Cuban argues that AI fluency is becoming as essential as skills like email or spreadsheets, and being able to apply it will create opportunities no matter the economic cycle.
The former "Shark Tank" co-host argues that real wealth isn't limited to financial assets. It also comes from building skills that hold value regardless of market conditions. Individuals who can solve problems and apply new technologies are more resilient economically than those who rely solely on external market returns.
Capital strategy
While cash isn't an investment designed for growth, Cuban views it as a strategic reserve that protects investors from forced selling and creates opportunity during downturns.
In downturns, liquidity becomes power. Investors with emergency savings aren't forced to sell stocks at depressed prices. Entrepreneurs with cash reserves can take advantage of opportunities when others are scrambling. Cash allows investors and businesses to buy quality assets at discounts while competitors are capital-constrained.
Cash also typically underperforms during bull markets and inflationary periods. But during recessions or sudden market corrections, it provides flexibility and downside protection.
Cuban has long advocated living below your means, maintaining reserves, and avoiding excessive debt. In his view, financial discipline allows investors to survive turbulence and capitalize on it. While cash may not appreciate like equities, it provides optionality: the ability to act when prices fall and opportunities arise.
Bottom line
Mark Cuban's resilient investments share common traits: diversification, scarcity, liquidity, and long-term utility.
His goal isn't to avoid volatility entirely. It's to build a portfolio and skill set that can withstand it, particularly in periods when fears of a recession start dominating the conversation. Markets will rise and fall. The key question is whether your investments are built to endure both.
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