U.S. household wealth rose to a record $150 trillion in the final quarter of last year according to the Federal Reserve.  That financial cushion may keep consumers spending and limit the economic damage from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The figures, coupled with a hot labor market, indicated Americans were in relatively healthy shape ahead of the war, which has caused the cost of commodities to surge at a time when U.S. inflation is already at a 40-year high.

Shares of Amazon higher after the company said their board of directors has approved a 20-for-1 stock split, telling investors that they’ll receive 20 shares for each share they currently own. The board also approved a $10 billion share buyback program.

With inflation running at 40 year highs Mortgage rates are rising again. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.85% in the week ending March 10, up from 3.76% the week before, according to Freddie Mac.  At today's rate, the buyer of a median-priced home in the US is facing a mortgage payment that is more than $290 per month higher than a year ago.