The pan-European Stoxx 600 fell 1.6% in early trade, with basic resources shedding 3.4% to lead losses as all sectors and major bourses slid into negative territory.
Global markets continue to be buffeted by events in Europe as Russia’s war on Ukraine wreaks death and destruction on the country.
Talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials took place on Monday in a bid to establish a solid ceasefire and find room for any compromise between Russia and Ukraine’s demands. But like earlier attempts the fourth round of discussions ended with little progress being made. Talks resume on Tuesday, however.
The U.S. Federal Reserve is also in focus this week as it is expected to raise its target fed funds rate by a quarter percentage point from zero at the end of its two-day meeting which starts on Tuesday.
Investors are also awaiting the central bank’s new forecasts for rates, inflation and the economy, given the uncertainty from escalated geopolitical tensions.
U.S. stock futures retreated early on Tuesday morning as investors continue to monitor developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and prepare for a key Federal Reserve policy decision.
Elsewhere, shares in China lagged among Asia-Pacific markets on Tuesday, though some losses were pared following the release of Chinese economic data that was far above expectations.
Still, China is currently facing its worst Covid-19 outbreak since the height of the pandemic in 2020, with major cities including Shenzhen limiting business activity. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index plunged more than 6% on Tuesday.
Earnings came from Volkswagen, RWE and H&M on Tuesday. Data releases include the latest ZEW Economic Sentiment Index from Germany.
In terms of individual share price movement, Dutch investment firm Prosus fell more than 8% to the bottom of the Stoxx 600 after reports that Tencent — in which is has a substantial stake — is facing a record anti-money laundering fine.
-CNBC