Last year proved to be a tough year for financial assets because both equities and bond prices fell. We had three major shocks to the system: a global pandemic, a major war and inflation.

There are many challenges to financial assets today. The Federal Reserve, first criticized for raising interest rates too slowly, is now accused by some of lifting them too rapidly in their fight against inflation, which is at 40-year highs. Rapidly rising interest rates is putting stress on most financial assets.

Two years after the coronavirus pandemic changed our lives, causing lockdowns beginning in March 2020 and a significant stock market correction, investors are facing a fresh set of challenges.

No doubt, war is a human tragedy. There are no winners. In the investment world. The Ukraine/Russian conflict has certainly heightened uncertainties. Geopolitical conflict in Eastern Europe remains fluid.