Bloomberg - Evening Briefing - ‘Threatening position’

The back-and-forth between Moscow and Washington continued Tuesday over the crisis on the Ukrainian border. In a White House address, President Joe Biden said Russia could still invade Ukraine (something Russia denies it plans to d0) and that the U.S.  hasn’t verified Moscow’s claim that it is partially pulling back some of the 150,000 soldiers and heavy arms that surround its smaller neighbor. Instead, the U.S. and its allies stated Russian formations remain in a “threatening position.” Biden said he agreed with a Kremlin statement that diplomacy is still possible. That communique followed a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Here’s the latest on the crisis. —Margaret Sutherlin

Bloomberg is tracking the coronavirus pandemic and the progress of global vaccination efforts.

Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee effectively blocked votes on Biden’s five picks for the Federal Reserve in a dispute over the nomination of Sarah Bloom Raskin. Their opposition is related to her position on mitigating the financial risks of the climate crisis, and how that may negatively affect fossil-fuel giants, though they also allege ethics questions tied to revolving door issues. The tie up doesn’t just stall her nomination: Also in limbo are the renomination of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and Vice Chair nominee Lael Brainard. 

Sarah Bloom Raskin  Photographer: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

Yet another measure of U.S. inflation came in hot in January. Bitcoin surged to above $44,000 after cratering earlier in the year. Stocks meanwhile broke a three-day losing streak. Here’s your markets wrap.

Vaccine-mandate protesters at two border crossings in Western Canada plan to leave after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government invoked emergency powers that could freeze their bank accounts and suspend their insurance. Banks were left scrambling to figure out how to enforce the orders, however. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s police chief resigned in the face of criticism as an anti-vaccine trucker protest paralyzes the city.

Protesters near Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 12.  Photographer: Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg

People moving to the most competitive U.S. real estate markets have almost 30% more to spend on homes than locals—pricing out longtime residents and driving up costs. And if you can’t afford to buy, well there’s bad news for renters, too.  

Families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting reached a $73 million settlement with gunmaker Remington, saying the deal reveals the company’s “inner workings” and paves the way for future lawsuits. Remington’s military-style rifle was used in the attack that killed 26 people, including 20 first-grade children. 

Tyson Foods, one of the first big U.S. employers to mandate vaccines for its workers, is easing mask requirements for some fully vaccinated employees. Germany is set to join other European countries in phasing out Covid-19 restrictions over the coming weeks, even though infections are only slightly below recent records. Here’s the latest on the pandemic. 

China is competing for more than just medals at the Winter Olympics in Beijing this month. It’s also quietly trying to define the future of money. 

• U.S. accuses Zero Hedge of amplifying Russian propaganda.  
• The Senate confirmed the new Food and Drug Administration head. 
• Bloomberg Opinion: Trump’s accountants quit. What took so long? 
• Elon Musk donated $5.7 billion worth of Tesla shares to charity.
• U.K. Prince Andrew settles abuse suit tying him to Jeffrey Epstein. 
• Novak Djokovic said he’ll give up trophies before vaccination.
• The DeLorean is being revived again. This time as an EV.

A little-known hedge funder operating out of suburban New Jersey out-earned the likes of Steve Cohen and Izzy Englander last year. Last year wasn’t an easy one for money managers, but the top 15 came out $15.8 billion richer in 2021. Here’s the ranking.

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