New sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine cause stock futures to decline.

BY THE NUMBERS

On Monday, U.S. stock futures fell but later traded off their lows after the Biden administration announced additional sanctions against Russia's central bank. On Saturday, the U.S., European allies, and Canada agreed to cut off key Russian banks from the interbank SWIFT messaging system. Meanwhile, the stock market experienced a strong rally on Friday, with the Dow having its best day since November 2020. Despite wild swings in the market, the Dow closed down slightly, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished higher. Defense stocks surged in Monday's premarket trading.

On Monday, oil prices increased, but later reversed course after concerns about the impact of the SWIFT banking prohibition on energy supplies emerged. Meanwhile, on Sunday, a British energy giant announced it was selling its 19.75% stake in Rosneft, a Russian-controlled oil company. Russia is a major supplier of oil and natural gas, particularly to Europe. Additionally, HSBC announced plans to reduce its ties with Russia's second-largest bank, while other financial institutions followed suit. (Reuters)

IN THE NEWS TODAY

The White House's new actions on Monday have effectively prohibited Americans from conducting any business with the Russian central bank and frozen its assets within the United States. Additionally, the coordinated move over the weekend to block Russian banks from SWIFT means they will no longer be able to securely communicate with banks outside their borders. (Source: CNBC)

On Monday, Russia's currency, the ruble, plummeted 30% due to mounting international sanctions. In response, the Russian central bank increased its key interest rate to 20% from 9.5%, in an emergency effort to halt the ruble's decline. Additionally, the Russian stock market was shut down on Monday, and the Russian stocks ETF fell 23% in the premarket. (CNBC)

As fighting in Ukraine persisted and Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the alert level of nuclear forces, Ukraine initiated peace talks with Russia on Monday near Belarus' border. (AP)

On Monday, the U.S. State Department halted operations at its embassy in Minsk and authorized the departure of non-emergency staff and their families. Additionally, the agency permitted departures from its embassy in Moscow. (Source: CNBC)

On Monday, the Supreme Court will examine the extent of the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants, one of the most significant cases of the current term. (NBC News)

In the near future, New York City will lift its Covid vaccination mandate for indoor businesses, dining, and events. Additionally, schools will no longer require indoor masks, as long as there are no sudden increases in cases. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul had already ended the statewide mask policy. (NBC News)

Berkshire Hathaway reported a record annual profit in 2021, largely due to its investment in Apple. The company also bought back a record $27 billion in stock last year, but the pace of buybacks slowed during the fourth quarter. Berkshire Class “B” shares fell 1% in the premarket. (CNBC)

STOCKS TO WATCH

Toronto-Dominion agreed to acquire FHN for $25 per share or $13.4 billion in an all-cash deal, which will help the bank expand its presence in the southeastern part of the U.S.

Renewable Energy shares surged 36.5% in the premarket, with REGI agreeing to be acquired by CVX for $61.50 per share, a 33.6% premium to the Friday close of $43.81.

In Mesa, Arizona, a Starbucks (SBUX) cafe's workers voted to unionize, making it the third Starbucks location in the U.S. to do so. Starbucks' stock slid 1% in premarket action.

After Zendesk shareholders rejected the proposed transaction, ZEN ended its deal to buy SurveyMonkey parent MNTV. Momentive slid 2.4% in premarket action while Zendesk rose 0.4%.

Healthcare Realty and rival HTA agreed to merge in a deal worth $35.08 per share. The health-care-centered REIT dropped 5% in the premarket, while HTA plummeted 9.2%.

Despite strong earnings and guidance, home builders underperformed in 2022, leading Bank of America Securities to upgrade both (PHM) and (TOL) to "buy" from "underperform." The firm believes the risk/reward profile is now favorable, and both stocks rose in the premarket.

After reporting adjusted quarterly earnings of 46 cents per share, 10 cents above estimates, and issuing an upbeat full-year forecast, NLSN, best known for T.V. ratings, saw its stock rally 7.6% in the premarket. Additionally, the company announced a $1 billion share repurchase program.