
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, igniting the most dangerous European war since WW II. On October 7, 2023, a terrorist attack in Israel launched a war against Hamas, which governs Gaza. The conflict threatens to spread and escalate, with the U.S. supporting Israel and Iran behind the attackers.
Rising interest rates, which have moved to the highest level since 2007 over the past weeks, and geopolitical turmoil are a toxic cocktail for the stock market. Investors are scrambling for safety, but the bond market carnage and potential downdrafts in the stock market make for challenging investment decisions.