European markets close slightly higher; Kingfisher rebounds after profit warning, Direct Line down 11%

This is CNBC's live blog covering European markets.

European markets had a tentative start to the new trading week Monday, as investors continued to digest a number of central bank policy decisions in Europe.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed 0.04% higher after finishing last week at a record high. Oil and gas stocks gained 0.9% as media stocks fell 0.7%.

Home improvement group Kingfisher, owner of brands such as B&Q and Screwfix, rebounded in afternoon deals to close up 2.5%. The stock dipped earlier in the session after issuing its third warning on profit in six months.

The U.K.'s Direct Line meanwhile plunged 11% after Brussels-based Ageas on Friday confirmed it would not make a further offer for the fellow insurance firm.

U.S. stocks were slightly lower Monday ahead of March's last — and shortened — trading week. The market is on track for its fifth consecutive month of gains, with the major U.S. stock benchmarks crossing new all-time closing high levels last week.

Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Monday as investors awaited inflation reports from Singapore, Malaysia and Australia this week.

Shares of Telecom Italia rose 4% in afternoon trade following reports that a small investor group is seeking a position on the company's revamped board.

Reuters reported Monday that the ASATI was filing a list of candidates ahead of a vote on the new board of the Italian phone group.

— Karen Gilchrist

U.S. stocks opened lower on Monday to kick off the final trading week of March.

The S&P 500 slid 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 70 points, or 0.2%. The Nasdaq Composite shed 0.5%.

— Lisa Kailai Han

Shares of Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of military and business aircraft, topped afternoon gains,