As we enter March, it seems clear that 2018 is not going to be a repeat of 2017. A combination of factors is causing consternation in the global markets including uncertainty at the Fed, the potential for higher interest rates and inflation, and now the potential for trade wars.

With equity markets in the U.S. hovering around all-time highs and volatility remaining low it is important to remember the words of the Samurai from the movie The Seven Samurai -- just when you think that you are safe, you are most vulnerable.