* Will Russia’s battle for Ukraine’s Donbas region decide the war?
* IMF cuts growth outlook for global economy due to Ukraine war
* China will continue strengthening strategic ties with Russia, says diplomat
* China risks self-inflicted recession with aggressive battle to eradicate Omicron
* Shanghai starts to ease virus controls that shut down China’s biggest city
* Signs of demand destruction for commodities are starting to emerge
* Companies acquired in LBO deals at risk with rising interest rates
* The Fed’s hawkish pivot looks set to cool the housing market
* US housing starts rose more than than forecast in March: