| US stocks fell from all-time highs as a disappointing forecast from Walmart Inc., the world’s largest retailer, added to concern about the economy’s main engine. A slide in banks also weighed on trading, with JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. each falling over 4%. Australian stocks are expected to edge higher this morning. Citigroup Inc. is ending workplace representation goals and removing requirements to interview job candidates from diverse backgrounds, citing pressure from the Trump administration. The bank will no longer have “aspirational representation goals” except as required by local law, and abandon a policy for diversity in candidates and interview panels, according to a memo to staff seen by Bloomberg News. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. posted its fastest pace of revenue growth in more than a year, as the Chinese internet pioneer co-founded by Jack Ma takes another step toward a recovery after years of turbulence. The US signaled that sanctions relief for Russia could be on the table in talks over the war in Ukraine as President Donald Trump rushes toward a deal to end the three-year conflict. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that the US is prepared to either ramp up or take down penalties based on the Kremlin’s willingness to negotiate.  Scott Bessent, US treasury secretary, during a Bloomberg Television interview in New York, US, on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Photographer: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg Trump, after talking to his Russian counterpart, is clearly preparing to betray Ukraine, Europe, the West and whatever remains of the “rules-based” international order, writes Bloomberg Opinion’s Andreas Kluth. | 
