Diary 2/15

I’ve been working at the office. My wife and daughter go back to my wife’s parents house. So after coming back home, I’m alone. I’m listening to radio and writing this diary. If the COVID-19 is not spreading, I would have party. But there are few restaurants opening until mid night, so I don’t feel like drinking. I hope to be back to normal soon. 

Global stocks rallied amid optimism that geopolitical tensions in Ukraine may be easing. After Russia announced the start of pullback of some forces, the U.S. futures climbed. Defense Ministry reported units have completed combat exercises. Investors may think that it is a sign of possible de-escalation by Russia amid a major diplomatic push following weeks of warning from the U.S. and Europe about the risks of conflict. Energy shares underperformed in Europe as oil retreated from highest since 2014 and natural gas price dropped on a possible cooling in the crisis. Yield on treasury hiked. If the tension between Russia and Western countries gets easing, investors would focus on the American inflation figures and FED reaction. Today, U.S. PPI will be announced. 

Some people says that the a sign of de-escalation of the tension between Russia and NATO. But I’m afraid that it is not.NATO secretary says that Russia’s military presence remains capable of an attack.

On the other hand, Russian Defense Ministry says that units of Russia’s Western and Southern military  districts are already loading equipment onto road and rail transport after completing their drills and will begin returning to their permanent base Tuesday.