Over the past 7 days, Google search volume for queries containing the word “recession” have more than doubled (see graph below):

Various versions of the query “what is a bear market” surged over 50-fold.  Additionally, variations of many other fear-sentiment queries have increased in volume:

• “what happens during a recession”
• “recession vs bear market”
• “how long will this recession last”
• “how long do bear markets last”
• “how to prepare for a recession”
• “recession-proof businesses”
• “recession-proof jobs”
• “will i lose my job in a recession”
• “what to do with 401k during recession”

These are opportunities for anyone in the recruiting, employment services, or financial services industries (because you have the answers & expertise to help people answer the queries above).

For other consumer-facing businesses, this data is a warning.  The queries indicate a growing fear among Americans that they will lose their job and/or lose their investments.  They also indicate growing financial conservativism with focus on “preparation”.  That means consumer spending will likely continue to decline in inflation-adjusted terms.  That will hurt the top line revenue of many consumer-facing businesses.

If you’re an investor, now is probably not the best time to buy the dip in stocks unless you’re a very good stock picker.

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