Stocks Down Again As Russia Invades Ukraine, And The U.S. And Allies Levy Sanctions

Plus 5 New Strong Buys for Today Stocks Down Again As Russia Invades Ukraine, And The U.S. And Allies Levy Sanctions [Kevin Matras - EVP - Photo] Profit from the Pros By Kevin Matras Executive Vice President Stocks Down Again As Russia Invades Ukraine, And The U.S. And Allies Levy Sanctions [Stocks Down Again As Russia Invades Ukraine, And The U.S. And Allies Levy Sanctions]Image: Bigstock Stocks closed lower yesterday as Russia began sending troops into the two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, and the U.S. and its allies levied sanctions against Russia. The U.S. and Germany also halted the certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. President Putin, however, declared that he would continue supplying natural gas to Europe without interruption. There are plenty of unknowns. For one, is this the beginning of a larger invasion of Ukraine? Or is this the extent of Putin's territorial interest, i.e., annexing the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), both of which are Russian-backed separatist regions that have been fighting Ukraine since 2014? Two, what other sanctions will the U.S. and its allies put on Russia? And what will Putin do in response to that? Three, will U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov still meet in Europe on Thursday, 2/24, as planned? We already know that President Biden has called off the tentatively agreed upon meeting with President Putin, given that Putin invaded Ukraine, which was the one stipulation that Biden said could not happen in order for them to meet. And four, while Putin plans to keep supplying Europe with energy (he doesn't want to cut off his revenue), will Europe allow it (assuming they can secure their energy needs elsewhere)? The world watches and waits. In other news, the Case-Shiller Home Price Index was up 1.1% m/m vs. last month's 1.0% and views for 0.8%. On a y/y basis, it was up 18.6% vs. last month's 18.3% and the consensus for 18.0%. The Purchasing Managers Index came in at 56.0, easily beating estimates for 51.9. The Manufacturing Index came in at 57.5 vs. views for 56.0. And the Services Index came in at 56.7 vs. views for 52.2. The Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index, however, only came in at 1 vs. last month's print of 8 and estimates for 10. And Consumer Confidence came in at 110.5. That was slightly lower than last month's 111.1, but above expectations for 110.0. Today we'll get MBA Mortgage Applications, the Redbook retail sales report, and the State Street Investors Confidence Index. As I said yesterday, it's a shame that the world has to worry about war with Russia and Ukraine. Most economies around the globe are rebounding nicely. And with Omicron cases dropping in most countries (especially in the U.S.), and Covid restrictions being lifted, this should be a time of celebration, both economically and from a personal perspective. So it's too bad this has become the focus. But this will eventually pass. And the good news that's being overlooked right now should soon become the new focus. Because the pent-up economic demand in the U.S. and around the world will help usher in a multiyear boom. So make sure you're taking full advantage of it. See you tomorrow, [Kevin Matras - Signature] Kevin Matras Executive Vice President, Zacks Investment Research Sponsor [Say Goodbye to Your Smartphone]( According to Microsoft engineer Alex Kipman, "Smartphones are yesterday's news. The phone is already dead. People just haven't realized." And it's all thanks to the device inside this black box... A new technology that's projected to grow 4,572%.... Enough to turn just $5,000 into almost a quarter-million dollars. 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