US investors expect more volatility as Ukraine concerns spook markets

The Cboe Volatility Index, known as Wall Street's fear gauge, was up for a second straight session and hit its highest level since the end of January.

NEW YORK: Geopolitical worries have added another layer of volatility to an already-jumpy market as investors priced in the possibility of escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, though some doubted the issue would weigh on U.S. asset prices over the longer term.

Reports of rising tensions between the two countries slammed stocks on Friday and lifted prices for Treasuries, the dollar and other safe-haven assets, as investors already rattled by a hawkish turn from the Federal Reserve digested a potentially more serious conflict in Eastern Europe.