Few investors will have experienced a tougher beginning to a year than the six-month stretch that just finished. Professionals have been beaten down, while amateur traders — used to 2021’s eye-popping rallies — were dealt a harrowing reality check.Few investors will have experienced a tougher beginning to a year than the six-month stretch that just finished. Professionals have been beaten down, while amateur traders — used to 2021’s eye-popping rallies — were dealt a harrowing reality check.