How to invest as the conflict in Ukraine intensifies: A complete guide to protecting your portfolio as global markets react to Russia's invasion
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated into a full-scale invasion.
World leaders have roundly condemned Vladimir Putin and vowed harsher sanctions to come.
Markets are shaken as investors struggle to find direction and protect their portfolios.
Investors have had plenty to contend with over the first few months of 2022. The highest rate of inflation in 40 years, calls for the Fed to raise interest rates faster than previously anticipated, and the decline of some of the biggest stocks on the market have all served to drag the S&P down over 8.5% year-to-date.
But now a new problem has sent stocks tumbling: a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, and perhaps the greatest geopolitical crisis since World War 2.
Investors have been dreading the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine for some time now, but it became clear how dire the situation really was when it was revealed late last week that Russia had amassed about 190,000 troops along Ukrainian borders.
Then on Monday, Russian president Putin recognized the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk, two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine. He sent Russian troops into the regions as part of a "peacekeeping mission" that many Western leaders condemned as a pretense for an invasion.
As it turns out, those fears were not unfounded. Early Thursday morning president Putin announced that Russian troops would begin a "special military operation" in Ukraine, shortly before airstrikes began throughout Ukrainian cities.
The S&P 500 opened 2.57% lower on Thursday morning as investors awoke to the news of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Fears that this conflict will spiral out of control, coupled with Western sanctions against Russian businesses hurting global trade, as well as the potential breakdown of gas flowing from Russia into Europe, have created a melting pot of worries that investors must now contend with.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of Insider's stock market coverage of the crisis in Ukraine and what investors need to know in order to protect their portfolios.
How are markets handling the conflict in Ukraine
Here's where you can find breaking news coming out of Ukraine and how stock markets around the globe are handling the conflict.
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Thursday, February 24
Dow plummets 464 points as Ukraine declares state of emergency and US warns of imminent attack
Bitcoin tumbles to a 1-month low in broad cryptocurrency sell-off after Russia attacks Ukraine
Gold surges to its highest level in over a year after Russia launches attacks on Ukraine
Nasdaq plunges 3% into bear-market territory after Russia launches attack against Ukraine
US defense stocks rally after Russia launches attacks on Ukraine
Citadel's Ken Griffin says US can 'beat Putin' by ending Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas
Russian Google competitor Yandex crashes 59% after Putin launches invasion of Ukraine
Friday, February 25
US stocks reverse big losses as investors navigate Russia's invasion of Ukraine
US stocks inch higher on reports Russia is open to talks with Ukraine
Oil keeps $100 a barrel in focus after Russia's energy exports escape Joe Biden's sanctions
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried says the crypto exchange gave cash to all of its Ukrainian users
Saturday, February 26 & Sunday, February 27
Monday, February 28
Global stocks tumble, while oil and gold jump as Western sanctions slam Russia's economy
US stocks sink as Western sanctions against Russia ramp up while Ukraine talks begin
A Russian stock ETF plunges 23% as the country's market remains closed amid deep losses
From sanctions to bitcoin donations, here's how crypto is playing a major role in the Ukraine war
Tuesday, March 1
Oil heads to $100 a barrel as Ukraine crisis chokes off cash lines to Russian exporters
Russia will ban Western companies from exiting investments as BP and others dash for the door
US stocks fall as Russian attack on Ukraine intensifies and oil hits 7-year highs
The IEA will release oil stockpiles in an effort to stem surging prices, new report says
The yield on the key 10-year Treasury is plummeting as Russia's invasion of Ukraine wears on
Visa and Mastercard have banned Russian banks as more Western sanctions roll out
Dow sinks 600 points as investors brace for Russia to intensify invasion of Ukraine
Wednesday, March 2
US futures rise after sharp sell-off, while oil surges past $110 on Russia-Ukraine conflict
Binance CEO says it's 'unethical' to block all Russians from accessing its crypto exchange
Thursday, March 3
Friday, March 4
Moscow shuts its stock exchange for a 5th day as London freezes trading in 8 more Russian shares
US stocks fall as Russian advance in Ukraine overshadows strong jobs report
US stocks drop as oil prices surge again and Russia's attack on Ukraine intensifies
Saturday, March 5 & Sunday, March 6
Monday, March 7
'Too big to sanction'? 10 key facts about Russia's oil and commodity exports
Nickel prices soar 90% to new record high on worries about shortages from major supplier Russia
Tuesday, March 8
Wednesday, March 9
Fitch warns a Russian debt default is 'imminent' as it cuts the country's credit rating again
Cryptocurrencies are included in the scope of the sanctions against Russia, European Union says
How to invest as the conflict in Ukraine escalates
Insider has interviewed experts, pored over analyses from the biggest financial firms, and compiled the different ways that investors like you can protect your portfolio.
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