I don't agree with the premise that the gold stocks go with stocks ather than gold when the going gets tough. We had a difficult time with hot money relinquishing juniors when the hedge funds were under pressure in 08-9, but - really the market isn't like 'hot money' now, it's more 'long term holding' investing. Also I'm reminded in another article I read recently that in the recent 'stock' bear market from 2001- 2003, the gold miners did spectacularly well.