Global Markets Today, October 12, 2026: Asia Declines, Oil Falls But Stays Elevated; Sensex, Nifty Seen Opening Lower

Mumbai, October 12: Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 are likely to open lower on Monday as Asian markets decline and crude oil prices fall but stay elevated amid persistent geopolitical uncertainty. Investors will also monitor the September-quarter earnings season for fresh direction after domestic equities rebounded sharply in the previous session. 

Asian markets started the week on a cautious note as investors weighed stretched technology valuations ahead of a busy earnings calendar and assessed the implications of geopolitical developments for energy supplies. South Korea’s Kospi fell 2%, while Chinese blue chips index CSI 300 dipped 0.08%. Japanese markets remained closed for a holiday, contributing to thin regional trading. 

Weakness in Asian markets reflected lingering concerns over elevated valuations and the sustainability of the rally in technology stocks. Taiwan’s equity market Taiex also declined 0.3% as investors awaited quarterly results from major semiconductor companies. 

US, European Futures Trade Higher 

US stock futures edged higher, with S&P 500 futures gaining 0.3% and Nasdaq futures rising 0.4%. Investors are preparing for the September-quarter earnings season, with major US banks scheduled to report results from Tuesday. 

Third-quarter earnings for S&P 500 companies are expected to have increased by more than 30% year-on-year, according to LSEG IBES estimates, although much of the projected growth is concentrated in the technology sector. Investors are increasingly scrutinising whether returns from artificial intelligence investments will justify the substantial borrowing required to fund the expansion. 

European equity futures also traded in positive territory. EURO STOXX 50 futures rose 0.6%, while Germany’s DAX futures rose the same and Britain’s FTSE futures added 0.2%. The gains provide a supportive signal for global risk appetite. 

Crude Oil Prices Ease 

Crude oil prices retreated after an initially firmer start, easing some pressure on energy-importing economies such as India. Brent crude futures fell around 1.7% to $103 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude declined 2% to $90. 

Oil prices remained volatile following strikes on shipping and airports in the Gulf, while uncertainty surrounded US President Donald Trump’s proposal for an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The possibility of changes in Russian diesel exports added another layer of uncertainty to the global energy outlook. 

For Indian equities, lower crude prices could offer some relief by easing concerns over imported inflation, the rupee and corporate margins. However, oil remains elevated, leaving markets vulnerable to renewed geopolitical shocks. 

The combination of firmer US and European futures and softer crude prices provides a mildly positive backdrop for Dalal Street. However, cautious Asian trading, expensive technology valuations and geopolitical risks suggest a lower open. 

Source

•  Exchanges