U.S. Stock Futures Are Lower As Geopolitical Issues Continue To Be The Principal Driver

U.S. stock futures are lower:  Geopolitical issues continue to be the principal driver.  NATO accused Russia of adding forces in Ukraine, contradicting Russia’s claims that troops were pulled back from the Ukrainian border.  Both sides are still negotiating a diplomatic solution.  Jobless claims from last week were 248k versus 224k consensus.  10y treasury yields eked down below 2% as European tensions escalate.  Yesterday, the Fed released its January minutes, which reinforced Powell’s plan to hike interest rates and reduce its balance sheet and reflected the current outstanding consensus to more of a hawkish stance. Europe is trading lower and Asian markets closed higher.