UK and European stocks opened lower as investors continue to monitor the war in Ukraine and economic developments in the United States. 
Shares in Asia-Pacific were mostly higher as Hong Kong-listed shares of Alibaba soared after the firm announced an upsizing of its share repurchase program from $15 billion to $25 billion.
Oil prices jumped as European Union nations consider joining the United States in a Russian oil embargo, while a weekend attack on Saudi oil facilities caused jitters.