U.S. Stock Futures Are Higher With Potential De-Escalation of Tensions Between Ukraine and Russia

U.S. stock futures are higher:  The potential de escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia are sending equity futures higher.  This morning, Russia announced that  some troops along the Ukrainian broader were pulling back but military exercises will continue.   Producer Price Index (PPI) increased 9.7% annually compared to consensus of 9.2%  and was up 1% monthly versus 0.5% estimate.  Excluding food, energy, and trade services, co-called core PPI increased 0.9% for the month, well ahead of the 0.4% estimate.  Treasury bond yields are higher across the curve post announcement.  Additionally, the global energy prices are pulling back related to improvements in Europe.  Asian markets closed lower before the announcement &  European markets are trading higher.  High yield spreads widened over the past few days and have eased a bit as geopolitical concerns are diminishing.