Russian Aggression Drives Down World Markets

Russian Aggression Drives Down World Markets. Markets around the world are lower today after Russian troops continue their military aggression against Ukraine. Military analysts say that Russian President Putin has little to fear as President Obama’s foreign policy of leading from behind had little effect in Egypt, Syria and Iran. Additionally, if the U.S. does not act in a very strong manner analysts say that China, North Korea and Iran will be emboldened to continue to act aggressively to their neighbors. Just prior to the Ukrainian invasion, Russian warships also docked in Cuba 50 miles of the coast of Florida. Some are now saying the move was a warning to Obama not to interfere in Ukraine. Russia's stock market has plunged and the country's central bank raised interest rates from 5.5% to 7%. The USD-RUB was +1.3% at 36.4489 rubles.

Upgrades:

AFLAC (AFL): ResearchTeam raised their rating from Reduce to Hold. Pre-market: 63.76 -0.32 (-0.50%)

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A/BRK.B): ResearchTeam raised their rating from Reduce to Hold. Pre-market: 116.44 +0.66 (0.57%)

ConoccoPhillips (COP): ResearchTeam raised their rating from Reduce to Hold. Pre-market: 66.01 -0.49 (-0.74%)

Intuit (INTU): Citigroup raised their rating from Neutral to Buy and raised their target price from $75.00 to $94.00. Pre-market: 78.15 0.00 (0.00%)

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): ResearchTeam raised their rating from Reduce to Hold. Pre-market: 91.15 -0.97 (-1.05%)

Microsoft (MSFT): ResearchTeam raised their rating from Reduce to Hold. Pre-market: 37.87 -0.44 (-1.15%)

National Oilwell Varco (NOV): ResearchTeam raised their rating from Reduce to Hold. Pre-market: 76.45 -0.59 (-0.77%)

Nokia (NOK): Canaccord raised their rating from Hold to Buy and raised their target price from $8.00 to $10.00. Pre-market: 7.53 -0.05 (-0.66%)

Southwest Airlines (LUV): ResearchTeam raised their rating from Hold to Accumulate.

Travelers Cos (TRV): ResearchTeam raised their rating from Reduce to Hold.

Downgrades:

Autodesk (ADSK): Citigroup lowered their rating from Neutral to Sell and maintained their target price of $36.00. Pre-market: 51.30 -1.18 (-2.25%)

Brinker International (EAT): Miller Tabak lowered their rating from Buy to Hold. Pre-market: 54.45 -0.55 (-1.00%)

Infosys (INFY): RW Baird lowered their rating from Outperform to Neutral and maintained their target price of $66.00. Pre-market: 60.66 -1.01 (-1.64%)

NII Holdings (NIHD): Gabelli lowered their rating from Buy to Hold. Pre-market: 1.22 +0.07 (6.09%)

Markets: 
Futures at 8:44: Dow -0.85%. S&P -1.01%. Nasdaq -0.99%. Crude +2.04% to $104.67. Gold +1.88% to $1346.40. U.S. 10 Year +7/32 to 2.623%.

Europe: London -1.70%. Paris -2.30%. Frankfurt -2.93%. 

Asia: Japan -1.27% to 14652. Hong Kong -1.47% to 22501. China +0.92% to 2075, India -0.82% to 20947. 

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