This shortened trading week packs a punch with critical economic releases that could shake markets. Traders are eyeing Producer Price Index data, retail sales figures, and weekly jobless claims—all dropping within days of each other. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions escalate as Ukraine faces a looming ultimatum deadline. These converging factors create a volatile cocktail for risk assets. With inflation signals, consumer spending health, and labor market strength all under scrutiny, expect heightened sensitivity across equities and crypto. The Ukraine situation adds an unpredictable wildcard that could trigger sudden capital flows.