Global Market Today, August 14, 2026: Asian Stocks Advance, Wall Street Hits Record High, Oil Steadies; Indian Markets May Get Positive Open

Mumbai, August 14: Indian equity markets are likely to open on a positive note on Friday, taking cues from gains across Asian markets and a record close on Wall Street, although renewed uncertainty around the U.S.-Iran conflict could cap gains. Soft U.S. inflation data has reduced expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve rate hike, supporting global risk appetite, but investors remain wary of developments in the Middle East and their impact on energy prices. 

Asian Markets Gain 

Asian stocks advanced on Friday and were headed for their strongest weekly performance in nearly two months as investors took comfort from soft U.S. inflation data. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.2% and was on course for a weekly gain of around 2.7%, its strongest weekly performance since mid-June. 

Japan’s Nikkei climbed around 0.8% and was on track for a weekly rise of more than 5%. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1.5%. 

Investors are closely watching developments in the U.S.-Iran standoff, particularly because any disruption to oil supplies could push crude prices higher and revive concerns about inflation and global monetary policy. 

The yen remained close to 159.40 per dollar, keeping it near the psychologically important 160 level. A renewed move towards that level could increase expectations of intervention by Japanese authorities. 

Wall Street Ends At Record High 

U.S. stocks extended their rally on Thursday, with the S&P 500 closing at a record high as technology shares gained and investors reassessed the outlook for Federal Reserve policy. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.13%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.65%. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.81%, supported by gains in technology and growth stocks. 

Investor sentiment was boosted by U.S. producer-price data, which showed no increase in July. The data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may not need to raise interest rates at its September meeting. 

Lower Treasury yields also provided support to equities, while continued optimism around artificial intelligence-related spending helped technology stocks. 

European Markets Trade Flat 

European equities ended largely flat on Thursday as investors balanced lower crude prices against continuing geopolitical uncertainty and awaited euro zone inflation data. 

The pan-European STOXX 600 closed little changed at 659.24 points after pulling back from record levels in the previous session. Falling oil prices offered some relief to investors, while energy and basic-resource stocks remained under pressure. 

The European market remained sensitive to developments in the Middle East, with investors assessing whether lower oil prices could be sustained amid uncertainty over the U.S.-Iran conflict. 

Crude Oil Remains Key Risk 

Oil prices remain the biggest variable for global markets and particularly for India. Brent crude was flat around $87 a barrel on Friday after falling more than 2% in the previous session, but prices were still headed for a weekly gain of roughly 4%. 

Crude recovered some ground after the United States threatened to maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, raising concerns about potential disruptions to oil supplies. 

For India, sustained high crude prices could put pressure on inflation, the rupee and corporate profitability. The country is heavily dependent on imported crude, making movements in international oil prices a key factor for the domestic market. 

What To Expect From Indian Markets 

The global setup points to a mildly positive opening for Indian equities on Friday, with gains in Asian markets, a record close on Wall Street and soft U.S. inflation providing support. 

Rate-sensitive sectors, particularly information technology, could benefit from reduced expectations of near-term U.S. monetary tightening. However, oil-sensitive sectors may remain under pressure if crude prices extend their gains. 

Investors are also likely to track the rupee and foreign fund flows, along with developments around the U.S.-Iran standoff and the Strait of Hormuz. Any fresh escalation could quickly push oil higher and weigh on risk appetite. 

Overall, the opening cues for the Sensex and Nifty remain constructive, but the market could see volatility through the session as investors balance global equity strength against elevated crude prices and geopolitical risks. A positive start, therefore, may not necessarily translate into sustained gains unless oil prices remain contained and global risk appetite holds. 

Source

•  Exchanges