Does the market perceive the conflict as a "nothingburger"? Does the market perceive the conflict will ameliorate the Fed into less in the way of interest rate hikes? The "market" is champing at the bit to "get their money in there" at higher and higher prices on this rebound. Is this the "real deal" or the "suck-'em-in" bull trap?? The market is acting like it's a "good thing" that Russia is attacking Ukraine. (??) The implications of whether the "world opposes Putin and makes him relent" or "backs away out of fear of nuclear retaliation" says a LOT about what's in our future...
Not that I am complaining Apparently the market is viewing the nuclear war threats as Putin's blustering. And sanctions seem to be biting Russia hard (and EU not yet). But yes it is a bit weird.
the fact that “nobody knows for sure, because it’s the stock market”, aside, I agree with you. The problems we will face here and globally in the near and intermediate term make rate hikes a moot point.
If the news reports are true that Putin/Russia are the military equivalent of the three stooges, and NATO/EU are not feeling any heat from sanctions, then the question becomes: what can Putin possibly do to get back at NATO/EU? That's the part that smart people should be thinking about.
He can cut off his energy exports, which will strangle Europe. Do we really think Russia needs the money from his energy exports? No, Putin has all of Russia's money in his pocket.