Brussels attacks weigh on European markets
Belgium's BEL 20 index was down 0.4 percent at 3,404.
London: The deadly attacks at the Brussels international airport and at a subway station in the heart of the city weighed on European stock markets on Tuesday though the scale of the retreat has been fairly muted.
Keeping score: In Europe, the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was down 0.6 percent at 6,149 while Germany's DAX fell 0.5 percent to 9,898. The CAC-40 in France was 0.8 percent lower at 4,392.
Belgium's BEL 20 index was down 0.4 percent at 3,404. Wall Street was poised for modest losses at the open with Dow futures and the broader S&P 500 futures both down 0.53 percent.
Brussels attacks: The attacks in Brussels drove financial markets though the scale of the moves was not hugely dramatic. The explosions at Zaventem airport and at the Maelbeek metro station have seen at least 26 people killed, according to local reports and media.
Read: At least 34 killed in terror attacks in Brussels airport, metro
Belgium has raised its terror alert to the highest level, diverting planes and trains and ordering people to stay where they were. Airports across Europe have tightened security and political leaders from around the world have voiced their solidarity with Belgium.
Read: Videos capture panic, chaos as terror grips Brussels
Market reaction: "It's always a sad day when terrorism has to be the driver to kick markets from their state of calm," said Mike van Dulken, Head of Research at Accendo Markets. "It's also a sign of times when the market response is - in relative terms - so muted. Investors have had to develop a thick skin for such horrific events over the years."
Gold gains: Gold, which is widely considered to be a safe haven asset at the time of tension, advanced. The precious metal was up 0.9 percent at $1,255 an ounce. ASIA'S DAY: Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 1.9 percent to 17,048.55.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index shed early gains to shed 0.1 percent at 20,666.75. South Korea's Kospi gained 0.4 percent to 1,996.81 and Australia's S&P ASX 200 edged up 0.1 percent at 5,230.80.
The Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.6 percent at 2,999.36.OIL: Benchmark US crude lost 55 cents to $40.96 a barrel in New York.
Brent crude, the benchmark for international oils, fell 30 cents to $41.24.
Currencies: The euro was down 0.2 percent at $1.1215 while the dollar fell 0.3 percent to 111.70 yen.