Hedging Uncertainty with Russia/Ukraine
What’s in Today’s Report:
- Hedging Uncertainty with Russia/Ukraine
- PMI Composite Flash Takeaways (Strong Report)
- Consumer Confidence Index: Chart
Stock futures are enjoying a bounce this morning, tracking global equity markets higher as investors view the initial rounds of sanctions on Russia as less severe than feared while inflation data out of Europe was mildly encouraging.
Economically, the Eurozone’s Narrow Core HICP reading was -0.9%, down from +0.4% in December suggesting price pressures may finally be peaking in parts of the world.
Looking into today’s session, there are no notable economic reports to watch and just one Fed speaker ahead of the bell: Daly (9:00 a.m. ET).
There is a 5-Yr Treasury Note auction at 1:00 p.m. ET that could move markets but investor focus is likely to remain on any developments with the Russia/Ukraine situation.
After the close yesterday, it was reported that the scheduled meeting this week between Blinken and Lavrov was called off, which was a negative development but if we see a new meeting agreed to, or any signs of further de-escalation in the conflict today, stocks could enjoy a potentially sizeable relief rally. Conversely, further aggressive actions in Ukraine by Russia and/or more severe sanctions being announced by the West would likely drive more risk-off money flows.
