Global Markets Today, August 13, 2026: Sensex, Nifty Seen Opening Higher as Asian Markets Rise, Oil Prices Ease

Mumbai, Augu 13: Indian equity benchmarks are likely to open higher on Thursday, tracking gains across Asian markets after in-line U.S. inflation data eased concerns over the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook. A decline in crude oil prices could provide additional support to Indian equities, although persistent geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around U.S.-Iran talks may cap gains. 

Asian Markets Rise 

Asian stocks advanced in early trade, with MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rising 1.05%. South Korea’s KOSPI jumped 3.5%, while Japan’s Nikkei gained 1.6%. 

The gains followed U.S. inflation data that showed consumer prices rising 0.1% month-on-month in July, in line with expectations. 

The data reduced expectations of an immediate rate hike by the Federal Reserve. 

The in-line inflation backdrop supported risk appetite across Asia, particularly in technology and semiconductor stocks, while lower expectations of tighter U.S. monetary policy also provided relief to emerging-market assets. 

Wall Street Ends Higher 

U.S. stocks closed mostly higher on Wednesday after the inflation data strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve may be able to keep interest rates unchanged in September. 

The S&P 500 gained 0.26% to 7,748.50, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.54% to 26,588.49. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.04%. 

Technology and artificial-intelligence-linked stocks led the gains. CoreWeave and Super Micro Computer each jumped 19%, while Nvidia rose 3%. The semiconductor index gained around 2.5%. 

Investors, however, remain cautious about the possibility that higher energy prices could rekindle inflation later in the year, particularly amid continuing geopolitical tensions. 

European Stocks Tread Water 

European equities were subdued as investors balanced corporate earnings against geopolitical risks and the implications of energy prices for inflation. 

The pan-European STOXX 600 slipped 0.16%, remaining close to record levels. 

European markets took heart from in-line U.S. inflation reading. 

Oil Prices Fall 

Crude oil prices declined on Thursday after major forecasters lowered their estimates for global oil demand growth in 2026. 

Brent crude fell 1.2% to $87.9 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 1.3% to $82.1. 

The International Energy Agency expects global oil consumption to contract by 1.6 million barrels per day this year, while OPEC lowered its 2026 demand-growth forecast to 580,000 barrels per day. 

A sharp increase in U.S. crude inventories also weighed on prices. Commercial crude stocks rose by 17.4 million barrels in the week ended August 7, the biggest weekly increase since January 2023 and significantly above expectations for a 1.4-million-barrel decline. 

U.S.-Iran Talks Keep Geopolitical Risks Alive 

Despite the fall in crude prices, geopolitical risks remain a key concern for investors. U.S.-Iran talks remain deadlocked, while risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb continue to threaten energy supplies. 

An Iranian source cited by Reuters said there had been no progress in efforts to revive an interim agreement, keeping uncertainty around the region’s oil supply outlook elevated. 

For India, however, the immediate decline in crude prices is a positive. Lower oil prices can help contain the import bill, ease inflationary pressures and support corporate margins, particularly for oil-sensitive sectors. 

Indian Markets Seen Opening Higher 

The combination of positive Asian cues, a mild U.S. inflation backdrop, gains in Wall Street technology stocks and lower crude prices points to a positive start for the Sensex and Nifty on Thursday. 

Oil-sensitive sectors and heavyweight stocks could provide support if crude remains below recent highs. IT and technology stocks may also benefit from improved global risk appetite and expectations of a less hawkish Federal Reserve. 

However, gains could remain measured as investors track developments around U.S.-Iran talks, crude prices, foreign institutional flows and global bond yields. 

Overall, the global setup suggests Indian equities could begin Thursday’s session on a firmer footing, although traders are likely to remain cautious given the lingering geopolitical risks and the possibility of volatility through the day. 

Source

• Exchanges