Monday Morning Must-Knows: February 21, 2022

One of the biggest stories in the news this week is theRussia-Ukraine conflict.  We don’t know what the outcome is going to be,but this is shaking up the markets. If you’re in the markets, make sure youhave a plan with proper risk management protection.

Here are three things we’re watching this week. First, we’re wrapping up earnings season with 894 companies reporting include:Lucid Motors, Home Depot, EBay and Berkshire Hathaway.

We’re also watching real estate.  In particular, we’refocusing on iShares US Real Estate ETF (IYR) which represents multiplecompanies in the sector.  On a daily chart, we’ve seen a long uptrend, butrecently seen price drop below key demand levels.  We’ve seen significantmortgage rates increase since late 2021, which could drive down price on assetslike IYR.

Finally, we have the Core PCE Price Index on Friday. We are seeing sustained levels inflation.  If the Core PCE pricing isabove expectations, the Fed could raise rates higher and faster than planned