* Kremlin talks up softer tone on Ukraine crisis
* German Chancellor in Moscow today to avert Ukraine war via talks with Putin
* Japan’s economic growth rebounded in Q4
* Fed’s Bullard: central bank needs to ‘front load’ rate hikes
* Is there still a case for investing in emerging markets? Maybe not
* China central bank expected to cut rates in coming months
* Intel expected to acquire Tower Semiconductor for $5.4 billion
* US inflation outlook slips for first time since Oct via NY Fed consumer survey: