What is the sentiment of this news? Please choose an answer from {strong negative/moderately negative/mildly negative/neutral/mildly positive/moderately positive/strong positive}.

The markets are having a tough year so far, with the S&P 500 declining by about 13% year-to-date, amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, surging inflation and crude oil prices, and expectations of tighter monetary policy, all of which are likely to impact economic growth.
moderately negative