U.S. Stock Futures Are Lower with Continued Fighting in Europe

U.S. stock futures are lower:  Continued fighting in Europe is driving U.S equity futures lower this morning after a strong rally on Friday.  This morning, delegations from both Russia & Ukraine are meeting for a potential cease fire but analysts are doubtful of a tenable outcome. Western nations have escalated their sanctions on Russia with a coordinated move to block Russian banks from SWIFT - Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, means they won’t be able to communicate with international banks beyond its borders.  Global energy prices, gold futures and other commodities are trading higher and Treasuries yields are lower.  This week, investors will be  watching the Semiannual Monetary Policy Testimony on Wednesday & Thursday to the Senate and House and the employment report on Friday for additional insights in how aggressively the Fed will hike interest rates.  Asian markets closed slightly higher and European markets are lower.