World Markets Hit By Ukranian Standoff

U.S. stocks declined sharply today, sliding along with other global equities, as worries about Russian intervention in the Ukraine has investors fleeing assets perceived as risky.

Investors sought perceived safe havens on heightened concerns tensions involving Russia’s threat to use military force in Ukraine, which mobilized its army and requested foreign observers. Secretary of State John Kerry was on his way to Kiev Monday after says Russia risked possible sanctions.

Stocks fell to session lows amid unconfirmed reports, from Reuters citing Interfax, that Russian forces may have given Ukrainian forces in Crimea some sort of ultimatum.

The Institute for Supply Management reported on manufacturing activity in February, with the reading at a better-than-expected 53.2.

And, ahead of Wall Street’s open, U.S. stock-index futures retained steep losses after figures from the Commerce Department had consumer spending rising more than projected in January, with household purchases up 0.4 percent after a minuscule 0.1 percent gain the prior month.

Tuesday:  10:00 a.m.: Senate Banking confirmation hearing for Stanley Fischer for Fed vice chair and Lael Brainard as Fed governor

News Sources:  CNBC and CNN Money

Market Update:

This is a tricky situation as Russia has a lot at stake in terms of Gas pipelines into Europe.  I am glad that there has been no fighting as of yet, let us hope that it stays that way and an amicable end can happen to ease tensions and pressure on global markets.  The market seemed to stand up pretty well to it today, I was concerned that it may be a big drop.  So perhaps until there is further escalation we will remain steady.  Time will tell.