U.S. Stock Futures Are Higher With Primary Themes Expected to Drive Volatility

U.S. stock futures are higher.  Primary themes, such as the ongoing war, supply chain delays, interest rate hikes, slowing economic growth, and higher inflation, are expected to drive the volatility in markets.   However, yesterday’s jobless claims report reflected a stable employment environment for the U.S and is anticipated to provide a tenable economic catalyst for the consumer. President Biden is in Europe and said that the U.S + NATO will respond if Russia uses chemical weapons and requested that Russia be barred from the G-20 or Ukraine be included.  Global energy prices are holding steady at relatively lower levels.  According to the WSJ, trading houses and refineries are self-sanctioning by avoiding Russian oil.  Overall treasury yields are eking lower on the longer end but slightly higher on the shorter end.   European markets are higher and Asian markets closed mixed for the week.