Russia-Ukraine tension doesn’t calm down

News of the day, Thursday, February 17

Stoltenberg: there are no signs Russia de-escalates its military forces near Ukraine, we prepare for the worst.

Despite the recent updates from Russian military officials, the border conflict seems to continue and escalate further. As always, the market reflects with crude oil futures rise. Brent crude is 1.6% up and WTI crude has increased by 1.7%.

Cisco has increased dividends by 3%. The board of directors has announced a $15 billion stock repurchase program. There is no specific date of the repurchase program end.

The EU has prepared for a possible supply outage of gas from Russia. As Russian natural gas accounts for about 20% of European gas consumption, the EU is highly vulnerable to any disruptions. While usually Russia pumps some extra gas in periods of increased demand, this year is very different. Despite gas consumption increase of 5.5% this winter, Russia refrains to pump any more. It must be Putin’s plan to stimulate the EU to approve the Nord Stream 2 gas pipe as soon as possible.

The price of Brent crude is $94.02, WTI — $92.81, GBP/USD — 1.3596, EUR/USD — 1.1381, and gold costs $1876.40 per ounce.