Although talks continue, reports that Russia has upped the ante is not helping the market.  

Vladimir Putin’s demands:

• Ukraine amends its Constitution
• Reject claims to enter any bloc
• Ukraine recognize Crimea as Russian 
• Ukraine recognize Luhansk and Donetsk as independent states

According to a Russian spokesperson, “If those demands are met, Russian military action will "stop in a moment."

There are separate reports, however, that speak to Russian desperation, including bringing in foreign fighters. 

Obviously, the invasion hasn't gone as planned, and it's not just the hype from sycophants, but most military experts saw a swift victory. 

The market is being held hostage by a mad man, making reasonable assumptions and analysis usually difficult for the moment.  But we spent the entire weekend combing through our list, and we have ideas we are eager to jump into but have to hold off for now - headlines are deadly.  

We are not going to force the issue here.