Global Markets Today, August 24, 2026: Asia Largely Lower, Oil Slips But Remains Elevated Ahead of Iran Sanctions; India May Get Lower Open

Mumbai, August 24: Indian shares may get a lower open as Asian stocks trade lower, US and European futures trade flat, and oil slips but stays elevated ahead of US sanctions against Iran and Nvidia’s earnings later this week.

Asian markets down 

Japan’s Nikkei was little changed. South Korea’s KOSPI was down 1.96%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down 2.08%. 

Markets are also looking ahead to Nvidia’s results, expecting revenue to nearly double.  

Also, elevated US Treasury yields are weighing on Asia. 

US, European futures point to cautious opening 

US stock futures were marginally lower in early trade, after the major US benchmarks ended Friday higher but recorded weekly declines. S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures were little changed. 

Investors are cautious ahead of Nvidia’s results, a litmus test of the artificial intelligence rally. 

European futures echoed US counterparts with Euro Stoxx 50, Dax and FTSE futures also trading flat. 

Europe is grappling with elevated energy prices and concerns over geopolitical tensions. 

Oil prices ease, but remain elevated 

Crude oil prices slipped on Monday as investors booked profits after a sharp rally in recent weeks and waited for details of the US administration’s planned sanctions against Iran. 

Brent crude futures were last down 1.6% at $92.9 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1.7% to $85.6. The decline came after oil prices gained strongly over the previous two weeks on concerns that worsening US-Iran tensions could further disrupt supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The US is expected to announce stringent new sanctions on Iran, with the measures potentially extending to countries and companies that continue trading with Tehran. Investors are therefore wary that any escalation following the announcement could push crude prices higher again. 

The Strait of Hormuz remains the biggest risk for global energy markets. The waterway normally carries a substantial portion of global oil supplies, and disruptions could have a disproportionate impact on Asian economies. Oil shipments through the strait remain severely disrupted, while Iran has threatened to target unauthorised tankers. 

What it means for Indian markets 

For Indian equities, the combination of lower Asian markets, subdued Western futures and elevated crude prices suggests a lower opening. 

Brent remains around $93 a barrel and has risen sharply over the past fortnight, meaning the broader inflation and current-account risks have not disappeared. India’s status as the world’s third-largest crude importer leaves its markets particularly vulnerable to a sustained rise in oil prices. 

The Nifty and Sensex could therefore open lower. 

The immediate focus will remain on oil-sensitive sectors, energy stocks, IT shares and heavyweight financials. Investors will also track foreign institutional flows. 

Overall, global cues point to a lower start for Indian markets. 

Source

•  Exchanges