Equity Roundup: Extending Session Lows

Headline risk strikes again, stocks extending session lows after holding inside relatively narrow session range since the open. Latest focus on RIA headline quoting defense minister: ARMY IS REGROUPING AT KYIV AND CHERNIHIV FRONTS AS PLANNED. While Bbg reports UKRAINE'S KULEBA: RUSSIA HAS NOT CEASED HOSTILITIES.

• Rates have recovered off session lows (mixed drivers including month end buying, technical support trading desks say) and holding near highs after: RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY SAYS REGROUPING OF FORCES IS IN ORDER TO FOCUS ON KEY FRONTS AND COMPLETE 'LIBERATION' OF DONBAS - RIA.
  
• SPX eminis trading -19.75 (-0.43%) at 4605.0, with initial firm support at 4428.55, the 20-day EMA. A break would be seen as a bearish development.
• On the flipside: Bullish conditions have also been reinforced by the recent break of both the 20- and 50-day EMAs. The breach of the latter EMA marked an important short-term bullish development. Resistance at 4578.50, Feb 9 high has been cleared. The break opens 4663.50, Jan 18 high.
• Dow trades -35.32 (-0.1%) at 35257, and Nasdaq - 98.2 (-0.7%) at 14521.66.
• SPX leading/lagging sectors: Energy sector gaining +1.19%, outpacing Utilities (+0.38%). Laggers: Consumer Discretionary (-1.13%) lead by weaker retail (-1.62%) and consumer durables (-1.06%) shares.
• Dow Industrials Leaders/Laggers: United Health (UNH) +6.9 at 517.63, Caterpillar a distant second +3.11 at 224.15. Salesforce.com and Home Depot both leading laggers -5.00.