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Stock markets swing wildly amid Ukraine tensions

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
05 November 2022
On a day with no major economic data releases, the market was focused yesterday on the news about geopolitical pressures in Ukraine, which brought renewed volatility.

The stock markets first rebounded from previous lows after news emerged that Kremlin might accept a continuation of the talks and thus that a diplomatic solution might be possible. The Russian President Vladimir Putin showed his support for Russia continuing discussions with the United States and its allies after his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had described the proposals put forward by Washington as "constructive."

However, the United States rejected Russia's main demand for assurances that NATO will not allow Ukraine to become a member but offered to discuss limits on missile deployment in Europe and restrictions on military exercises.

But CBS later reported that Russia had placed its troops in positions to launch an attack, according to satellite images, sparking new fears of an imminent invasion of Ukraine, which pushed stocks to daily lows.

On top of everything, fears regarding a more aggressive decision by the Federal Reserve on its monetary policy also emerged in the market. The central bank member Bullard reiterated his conviction about the need for raising rates by 0.50% at the next meeting and even drastically reducing the Fed's balance sheet by selling bonds in the market.

For this reason, and despite the enormous geopolitical tensions that normally bring bond yields lower, the 10-year benchmark shot up to 2.00% after falling to 1.92% the day before.

This brought a strengthening of the dollar, which in the case of EUR/USD lost 50 pips and traded again below 1.1300. The pair is under additional pressure due to the tensions in Ukraine since Europe would be the most vulnerable area in the event of war escalations. Additionally, the EUR/USD pair was also affected after the European Central Bank gave signs of retracting its more restrictive position.

Oil continued to rise yesterday despite the European Union foreign commissioner Borrell announcing that an Iran nuclear deal was in sight. This could have been a strong reason for oil to fall if fears of a conflict in Ukraine had not prevailed. Iran’s inclusion in the oil market could lead to a production of between 500k and 1M barrels per day in the first phase, and an announcement like the one made by Commissioner Borrell was a sign that the agreement could be signed soon.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters.

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.