Inflation fears and rising interest rates has given equity markets jitters despite the apparent strength of the business cycle worldwide and where, for example, there has been an increase in M&A activity.  It's impossible to call but it looks more like a re-adjustment before moving on, rather than a dead cat bounce before a bear market.  In either event equity investors should consider equities a very long-term asset.  The trick is to buy well and to hold through thick and thin rather than try to second guess market swings and roundabouts.  Staying in through thick and thin is lower risk ultimately because it doesn't involve trading in and out adding to the risk of getting things wrong.  So hang in there and think long-term.