Europe: Stock markets sink at open

[LONDON] Europe's stock markets opened sharply lower on Monday (Feb 28)  after world powers imposed fresh sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, while President Vladimir Putin put nuclear forces on a higher alert.

In initial deals, London stocks lost 1 per cent, while Frankfurt and Paris each shed more than 2 per cent.

"The Russian invasion in Ukraine and the bigger sanctions imposed on Russia take a severe toll on market sentiment," SwissQuote analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya said.

Sentiment was also slammed as Brent oil rebounded back above $100 per barrel, fanning fresh fears of soaring inflation, while the ruble collapsed in value. AFP