Morning Brew March 18 2022

Good Morning,

Rising oil prices and fading optimism on Ukraine weighs on risk sentiment this morning but moves are relatively small so far.  Equities had closed higher yesterday on a lack of concern after the fed hikes and hopes that Russia may prevent a default. US Indexes gained app 1% across the board last night and since then give up 0.3% to 0.6%.

Talks in Ukraine and the question how China will position itself is likely to be the key focus for today. It appears acc to Reuters news that  Russia was able to meet  a dollar bond coupon payment - avoiding default. President Biden described Putin as a "murderous dictator" is scheduled to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping today and will point out that China "will bear responsibility for any actions it takes to support Russia's aggression”, Secretary Blinken stated.

The Bank of Japan maintained  its rate and stimulus and sees elevated risks to the economy from Ukraine. USDJPY is little changed at 118.85.

GBPUSD and EURUSD are at 1.3157 and  1.1085, the USD Index at 98.06. 1 month Vol is lower still then yesterday at just below 8. 10 Year US rates are calm at 2.18

Gold and Silver are close to yesterdays levels at 1936 and 25.26, Bitcoin us also uunchanged at 40700.

Oil continues to trade very wildly with Brent 12 USD off the lows this week.

The economic agenda is pretty much empty for today, it will be interesting to see what will drive the market. We could see some profit taking before the weekend to reduce risks.

Trade safely and consider optionality still.