Ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting on Wednesday, June 15, investors sent the S&P 500 into bear market territory, meaning the index fell over 20% from recent records.^[i] Volatility gripped markets as concerns arose that the Fed would need to fight stubborn inflation with more aggressive rate hikes.^[ii]

^{.[1],[2].[3].[4]}
As you may have noticed, equity markets have been experiencing intense volatility, and the percentage of stocks hitting fresh 52-week lows has spiked over the last few months.^[5] On May 20^th, the S&P 500 even entered bear market territory, which is defined as a selloff by more than 20% from a recent high, before U-turning to end the month essentially flat.^[6]

As graduation season ends and we begin gearing up for summer, we hope you are finding time to enjoy the warmer weather with family and friends. However, the ongoing uncertainty of the markets, the recent slew of senseless mass shootings, and other negative world news may be putting a damper on a usually fun and cheerful time of year.