[smileysteve]

Gold is a store of value, it's not very likely to beat inflation.

A dividend stock is likely to beat inflation, (but not with as much growth as a growth stock.) Theoretically, if you're only using the dividends, it's just as good in downturns (as long as it's not GE/GM/BAC with huge non core financing arms).

My risk adverse holding is a major, regulated, electricity provider. If it goes out of business, it's likely that I also don't have electricity.