European markets set to start the week lower as Iran war intensifies

Market Overview - European stocks are expected to open lower, with the U.K.'s FTSE 100 index down 0.2%, Germany's DAX down 0.6%, France's CAC 40 down 0.4%, and Italy's FTSE MIB down 0.4% as investors react to the ongoing Iran war [1] - Asia-Pacific markets traded lower overnight, reflecting concerns over the latest developments in the conflict [2] Conflict Developments - U.S. President Donald Trump indicated the possibility of seizing Iranian oil and the export hub of Kharg Island, escalating tensions in the region [2] - Yemen's Houthi movement has launched missiles at Israel, marking its first direct involvement in the conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets on February 28 [3] Oil Market Impact - Oil prices have increased, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures rising by 2.58% to $102.19 per barrel during early Asia trading hours, indicating market reactions to the conflict [3] G7 Response - G7 finance ministers, energy ministers, and central bank governors are scheduled to hold an emergency meeting, marking the fourth such meeting since the onset of the Iran war [4] - Upcoming data releases include EU economic sentiment and Germany's latest inflation figures, which may influence market sentiment [4]