**__ Diplomatt’s Daily Digest – March 14, 2022__**
Good morning and happy Monday, everyone! Stock futures rose in early morning trading Monday ahead of an important week as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate and the Federal Reserve could hike rates for the first time since 2018. Ukraine and Russia resumed peace talks on Monday. A Ukrainian official said the country’s objectives were to secure a ceasefire and an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops, along with other security guarantees. Commodity prices, which had been surging recently amid the conflict, cooled off on Monday. U.S. crude futures slid 4.7% to $104.15 per barrel, while the international Brent benchmark fell 3.7% to $108.45 per barrel. Meanwhile, the Fed is expected to raise its target fed funds rate by a quarter percentage point from zero at the end of its two-day meeting Wednesday.
Quote of the week: „Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.“ – George S. Patton
**General News:**
• Fighting has intensified around Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, while Russian forces bombard cities across the country, killing civilians who cannot escape. The financial fallout of stiff Russian sanctions will come into sharper focus in the coming days ahead of a scheduled sovereign bond payment.
• According to U.S officials, Russia has requested military and economic assistance from china for its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• Tom Brady is leaving retirement after a meager 40 days to rejoin the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his 23rd season in the NFL.
• Mainland China faces its worst Covid-19 outbreak since the country clamped down on the pandemic in 2020, with Shenzen and Shanghai rushing to limit business activity.
• A 4th dose of the Covid-19 vaccine may be needed, but Pfizer is working on a shot to take on all variants.
• According to a new filing with the EPA, Tesla is preparing to launch a new version of the Model Y with a puzzling range of 279 miles and an AWD powertrain.
**StockTwits Top 10 Trending Tickers of the Day:**
1. BABA
2. NIO
3. XPEV
4. POET
5. BIDU
6. J.D.
7. AAPL
8. KWEB
9. WETF
10. TCEHY
