Global Markets Today, October 14, 2026: Asian Shares Edge Higher, Oil Near $107; Indian Markets Set For Muted Start

Mumbai, October 14: Indian equity benchmarks are likely to open on a muted note on Wednesday, with gains across Asian markets offering limited support as elevated crude oil prices, persistent foreign investor outflows and caution ahead of key US inflation data weigh on sentiment. A recovery in technology stocks across Asia after a recent selloff could provide some relief, but uncertainty over the global interest-rate outlook and geopolitical tensions may cap the upside. 

Asian Markets Today 

Asian shares edged higher on Wednesday as technology stocks recovered from recent losses. The MSCI Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 1%, while South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.7% and Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.6%. Chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix rose more than 2% in South Korea, while Japan’s Kioxia steadied after the previous session’s selloff. 

The recovery followed a technology-led decline on Tuesday, when concerns over growing Chinese competition in the semiconductor industry and questions over investments in artificial intelligence weighed on global chip stocks. However, investors remained cautious ahead of US inflation data and developments in the energy market.  

US Markets 

Wall Street ended lower on Tuesday as semiconductor stocks extended their losses and investors assessed mixed earnings from major US banks. The S&P 500 slipped 0.02%, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.15% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.35%. 

The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 0.23%, marking its fifth consecutive session of losses. Micron Technology dropped 3.6%, while Applied Materials slid nearly 7%, amid concerns over competition from Chinese chipmakers and questions about the sustainability of the AI investment boom. 

Bank stocks also came under pressure despite some companies reporting better-than-expected profits. Citigroup fell 5.6%, while Wells Fargo lost 3.1% after its net interest income missed estimates. Investors are now looking to the US consumer price index data for clues on the Federal Reserve’s next policy move. 

Crude Oil Prices Today 

Crude oil prices remained elevated as concerns over energy supplies intensified following Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. Brent crude rose to $106.60 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 0.9% to $95. 

High oil prices remain a key concern for India, which relies heavily on imports to meet its energy requirements. A sustained rise in crude can increase the import bill, put pressure on the rupee and complicate the inflation outlook, potentially limiting the scope for monetary easing. 

Indian Markets Outlook 

The Nifty 50 closed at 22,721.95 on Tuesday after a sharp recovery, with the Sensex and Nifty both gaining around 1.6%, supported by strong earnings from information technology companies. However, persistent foreign portfolio investor selling and rising crude prices could temper further gains.  

Foreign investors remained net sellers for a 13th consecutive session, while domestic institutional buying offered some support. With global markets presenting mixed signals, Indian benchmarks could see a subdued opening, with investors tracking oil prices, foreign fund flows and the rupee for directional cues. 

Source

• Exchanges