Shock waves in world markets after the Russian attack on Ukraine

European stock futures fell 4% on Thursday (February 24th) as investors abandoned the most risky assets after Russia's attack on Ukraine, raising fears that a war in Europe would fuel higher inflation and derail economic growth.

The futures contracts that follow the top 50 companies in Europe plunged 4,1% until 08:30 Cyprus time. Among the regional markets, the futures of the German DAX fell 4,4% and the futures of the British FTSE fell 2,4%. New York S&P 500 futures fell 2,1% and Nasdaq 100 futures fell 2,6%.

The reaction of the world financial markets to the news of the Russian attack on Ukraine was also immediate. Stock markets in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney plunged and oil prices exceeded $ 100 a barrel, for the first time since 2014, raising inflation concerns. The ruble fell 9% against the US dollar and trading was suspended indefinitely on the Moscow and St. Petersburg stock exchanges. Finally, gold and the Japanese yen (safe havens in times of crisis and turmoil) jumped.