Stock markets fall after suicide attack in Brussels

Global stock markets are falling after a suicide attack on Brussels airport in Belgium.

Twin blasts hit Brussels airport early Tuesday. They were followed by an explosion in a subway station in the city.

At least 26 people were killed, according to Belgian media, 15 at a subway station and at least 11 at the airport.

Authorities have confirmed that the blasts at the airport were the result of a suicide attack.

Brussels is the de-facto capital of the European Union. Many European institutions and international companies are based there. The airport is closed, and train and subway services have been suspended.

Here are four things to know:

1. International market overview: U.S. stocks are off slightly. The Dow fell 63 points soon after the opening bell, while the S&P 500 is off 0.5%.

All European markets opened lower following the explosions in Belgium.

France’s CAC is down by 1% and Germany’s DAX index has fallen 0.6%. The FTSE in the U.K. is also lower.

he euro is trading lower against most major world currencies.

2. Stock market movers — Airlines, airports, hotels: Stocks of airline, airport and hotel companies are sharply lower.

In the airline sector, Ryanair, EasyJet, Air France-KLM, Lufthansa and British Airways operator IAG are all seeing their stocks drop by as much as 4.5%.

American Airlines, Royal Carribbean Cruises, Carnival, Marriott, Priceline, United, Expedia, TripAdvisor are all off about 2% each.

Hotels group Accor is down about 4%, and shares in InterContinental Hotels are also sliding by more than 2%.

Airport operators are also in the red. Fraport, which operates a major hub in Frankfurt is down 2%, and shares in Aeroports de Paris are down about 4%.

3. Earnings and economics: Krispy Kreme and Nike are both reporting third quarter results after the closing bell. Nike revealed self-tying sneakers last week.

U.K. inflation data is expected early Tuesday. The prestigious German Ifo institute will report on business climate and expectations.

4. Monday market recap: The Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 were each up 0.1% on Monday, and the Nasdaq gained 0.3%.

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