1. Global growth forecast takes slashing from World Bank
The World Bank lowered its annual global growth forecast for 2022 on Monday by nearly a full percentage point, down from 4.1% to 3.2%, CNBC reports. The largest single factor in the reduced growth forecast was a projected economic contraction of 4.1% across Europe and Central Asia. Other factors behind the slowdown in growth from January’s forecast include higher food and fuel costs being borne by consumers in developed economies. Supply disruptions to Ukrainian agricultural exports are also cited as contributing factors to driving prices higher.

2. Battle for Donbas has begun, Ukraine President says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that Russian forces had begun the campaign to conquer the Donbas region in Ukraine’s east as Moscow continues moving troops and materiel into that part of the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that the “economic Blitzkrieg” of international sanctions on Russia had failed, citing the recovery in the ruble to pre-war levels. That recovery, however, came after Russia imposed tight capital controls.

Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address on Monday, said “It can now be stated that Russian troops have begun the battle for Donbas, for which they have been preparing for a long time.”

“In the east and south of our country, the occupiers are recently trying to attack in a little more thought-out manner than before,” Zelenskiy said. “They are putting pressure, looking for a weak spot in the defense of our state to go there with the main forces.”

Russian forces were already shelling the area heavily.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo announces death of baby son
Footballing legend and player for Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo has announced the death of his baby son during childbirth with partner Georgina Rodriguez. Ronaldo stated that only the birth of the child’s twin sister is providing him and his partner with the strength “to live this moment”.

4. More Twitter riddles from you guessed it, Elon Musk
CNBC reports that Elon Musk posted a cryptic tweet that said, “Love Me Tender,” suggesting he was either listening to Elvis or considering a potential tender offer to Twitter shareholders to take control of the company. A tender offer would be the latest in the saga over his dramatic bid to take control of Twitter. “Musk in recent weeks has amassed a more than 9% stake in the company. Twitter then extended an offer to Musk to join the board, but on the condition that Musk couldn’t buy more than 14.9% of the firm. Musk reversed course and instead made a bid to take Twitter private.”

5. ASX to rise despite Wall St dip
ASX futures were up 10 points or 0.1% to 7506 on April 14, with the AUD -0.6% to 73.48 US cents. On Wall St near 4pm: Dow -0.1% S&P 500 -0.02% Nasdaq -0.1%. 2-year yield: US +0.09% (2.44%) Australia -0.10% (2.00%). 10-year yield: US +0.14% (2.84%) Australia -0.10% (2.97%).