- The Ukraine crisis and Western sanctions against Russia clouded the outlook for markets and the global economic recovery, and US equities futures fell. Brent oil prices have dropped below $100 a barrel once again.
- Contracts on the S&P 500 were down roughly 0.8% after paring earlier declines of more than 1%. The price of oil fell after the Kremlin stated that Ukraine's pledge of neutrality is a positive step.
- After Moscow-led troops attacked military and civilian sites in Ukraine, sparking the biggest security crisis in Europe since World War II, President Biden placed further sanctions on Russia, pledging to exact a heavy impact on the Russian economy.
- Markets have lowered their forecasts for central bank hikes this year, although the Fed is still expected to raise rates by six quarter-points.
- The Stoxx Europe 600 index rose about 2%, despite continuing concerns about the conflict's economic impact, putting it on track for its second weekly loss.
- We are ready for discussions if Ukraine's army ceases fighting, says Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.
- Kremlin: Russia will retaliate to US and EU sanctions.
- Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov will meet with officials from the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics in Moscow on Friday, according to the Russian foreign ministry.
- Germany's finance minister Lindner, claims that Europe's economies will be able to withstand rising inflation rates.
- France’s Pres. Macron: Ukraine will receive 300 mln euros in aid from France, as well as military equipment.
