While markets are down and are now firmly in “bear” territory, after every bear market in history markets have recovered and have risen above their previous level. What is unknown is how long the duration of the bear market will be, and how long any subsequent recovery will take.
GDP, inflation and unemployment rates are being closely watched by investors as prices continue to rise and investors disagree on how central banks should proceed.
The conflict in Ukraine has added to inflationary pressures and has led to a challenging start to the year for investors.
With the world’s attention focused on the tragic situation unfolding in Ukraine, it is difficult at times to put aside personal, political and humanitarian views and to concentrate on the financial implications of global events.
Although the pandemic is far from over, with cases in some areas rising to the highest levels seen since the beginning of the pandemic and the threat of a new variant always around the corner, the volatility from the pandemic seen in markets is decreasing, as investors become more accustomed to the ebbs and flows of an endemic virus.