Market View from Realm Investment Management. Week ending 4th March 2022.
Stock-markets were lower last week as fears increased over the situation in Ukraine and the West announced further sanctions against Russia. Equities opened sharply lower today but recovered some of their losses as the day progressed.
The price of oil continued its rapid climb higher, up more than 20% last week with WTI Crude futures reaching $116 /barrel. Today, a further spike saw price above $130 in early trading, settling back below $120 later in the day.
Bonds and gold were higher last week as investors sought safe-haven areas amid the increasing tensions. The VIX volatility index (often called the fear gauge) reached its highest closing level in more than a year.
The war is also having an impact on expectations for US Federal Reserve policy. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed would “move carefully” and that it was “too early to say” if the Russian invasion of Ukraine would have an effect on policy.
The Big Picture 4th March 2022
Market Sentiment 4th March 2022
U.S. Risk Barometer 4th March 2022
Europe Risk Barometer 4th March 2022
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This communication is not intended as a recommendation to invest in any particular asset class, security or strategy. Regulatory requirements that require impartiality of investment/investment strategy recommendations are therefore not applicable nor are any prohibitions to trade before publication. The information provided is for illustrative purposes only, it should not be relied upon as recommendations to buy or sell investments.’
