Almost every prior stock market crash was caused, or at least exacerbated, by market illiquidity.

As you can see in the chart below, the FED’s recent activity of unwinding their balance sheet by selling a small fraction of their QE accumulated holdings coincided with the most recent 12% stock market consolidation (not the sole reason for the correction mind you).  It is important stock investors understand the correlation between the FED removing liquidity and lower stock prices. When you combine this balance sheet activity with a simultaneous push higher in interest rates we are entering into uncharted territory knowing just how the market will react.  

Regardless, the current consolidation in the SP500 has a clearly defined upper and lower boundary, 2670 & 2530 respectively, making it a much easier task to manage whatever happens.  Above I add exposure, below I decrease.