The US has put 8,500 troops on heightened alert for deployment to boost NATO forces in Eastern Europe as Russian troops mass on the Ukrainian border. Russia seems to be hoping to force Ukraine and NATO’s hand, as Russian stocks tumble on news of the situation escalating with the US hoping that the military news and diplomatic efforts defuse the crisis.
UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is facing further pressure as allegations of further rule-breaking parties emerge from during the pandemic. His office confirmed that staff gathered to celebrate his birthday during the first lockdown in 2020, as Conservative MPs grow frustrated with the Prime Minister and await the outcome of a wider government inquiry before deciding to still back Boris Johnson.
US Indices rebounded from its worst selloff in two years and pushed back into positive territory, erasing a near 5% loss. Rising tensions around the Federal Reserve Policy saw a turnaround that has dogged markets. The Federal Open Market Committee begins its two-day meeting.
| Share Index | Prev. Close | Open |
| FTSE100 | 7297.15 | 7297.15 |
| DAX | 15011.13 | 15180.25 |
| CAC40 | 6787.79 | 6870.27 |