- US equity futures and stocks tumbled Thursday while bonds jumped and oil soared as Russian president Putin’s decision to order a military attack on Ukraine cast a pall over global markets.
- S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 contracts slid more than 2%, signalling the latter, the tech-heavy gauge may end up in a bear market. European futures shed almost 4% and an Asia-pacific equity gauge fell to the lowest since 2020. the Moscow exchange suspended trading across all markets.
- Russian forces assaulted targets across Ukraine after Putin ordered an operation aimed at demilitarizing the country, prompting Ukraine's foreign minister to warn of a “full-scale invasion.” Ukraine imposed martial law.
- Putin said Russia doesn’t plan to “occupy” its neighbour, but that Russia must “defend itself from those who took Ukraine hostage” -- the u.s. and its allies who had crossed Russia's “red line” with the expansion of the nato alliance.
- Putin has stated that clashes between Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are unavoidable and only a matter of time.
- Fed's Daly: I anticipate that more than four rate hikes will be required.
- Kremlin Spokesperson: Leaders of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine have asked Putin for assistance in fighting the Ukrainian army invasion - Interfax.
- The US eyes a release from oil reserves as prices rise on Ukraine. WTI weakened.
- Biden: I've instructed my administration to take action against Nord Stream 2 AG and its corporate officers.
- US Defense Official: Russian forces stationed around Ukraine are as ready as they can be, with 80% of them in forwarding positions and ready to go.
- ECB's de Cos: We can't rule out the possibility that liftoff conditions will be met earlier than expected.
