Risk aversion increased further overnight, as reflected in the VIX “fear gauge and my Risk Aversion Barometer, both of which moved higher. Risk assets in general slipped, with US equities closing lower, while safe havens including JPY and gold were in demand.
Ukraine tensions have intensified, with diplomatic efforts yielding no success and Russia stating that it would recognise the results of the referendum in Crimea. Wheat prices are feeling the direct impact of these tensions, with prices rising to a 13 week high while in contrast copper prices continue to be hit by China growth worries.
The outlook today is not a positive one, with a negative follow through expected in the trading session. There is little on the data front of note, aside from Eurozone industrial production which is unlikely to be a market mover.
ECONOMETER 
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