American stock indicators are acutely reacting to the growing tension in relations between Russia and Ukraine. All indices showed a decline at the close of the session on Tuesday. Thus, the broad S&P 500 lost 1%, the industrial The Dow Jones Industrial Average - 1.4%, and the technological NASDAQ Composite - 1.2%.
The escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is keeping investors around the world in suspense. Following the recognition by Russian President Putin of the independence of the LPR and the DPR, Russian troops were introduced into these two regions. European countries responded to this step by imposing sanctions against Russia. Thus, Germany has already suspended the launch of the Nord Stream–2 project.
If earlier investors believed that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine would remain only in words, now the threat seems more real. If the situation worsens, stock markets will continue to show a decline.
The US President called the actions of the Russian Federation an "invasion" and announced the sanctions being prepared against Russia. Analysts believe that the imposition of sanctions is unlikely to affect the revenues of American companies.
However, the direct participation of the United States in the conflict will undoubtedly have a serious impact on the stock quotes. It should also be noted that the rise in energy prices and the consequences of a more aggressive policy of banks in response to an increase in inflation can seriously affect the behavior of investors.
The consumer confidence index in the United States this month has already decreased by almost 10 points compared to the January level (from 111.1 to 110.5 points). At the same time, the current level coincided with the forecasts of experts. According to analysts, such a decrease is caused by rising inflation and negative expectations of citizens regarding opportunities for economic growth.
All 11 components of the S&P 500 indicator sectors showed a decline.
Home Depot securities lost 8.9% due to a decline in sales, which the company showed in the reports. Also, the decline in the value of shares was shown by Best Buy, Lowe's, and Dollar General, which fell by 3.6%.
Despite an increase in the cost of oil by 1.5% and reaching $96.84 per barrel, the energy sector showed a decline. Exxon Mobil and Halliburton securities fell by 1.2%.
Good corporate reporting results did not help Macy's. Its securities lost 5% in value.
At the same time, the profitability of ten-year Treasury bonds increased from 1.930% to 1.947%.
At the same time, Krispy Kreme's securities gained 8.4% due to good reporting for the fourth quarter of 2021 on revenue and profit. And these indicators turned out to be higher than market expectations.
Medtronic Plc securities gained 3.1% in price due to a 17% increase in net profit in the third quarter of the fiscal year 2022, although this figure was lower than the market forecast.