Global Markets Today, October 15, 2026: Asian Shares Slide, Wall Street Falls On Hot US Inflation Data; Oil Prices In Focus

Mumbai, October 15: Indian equity benchmarks are likely to open on a cautious note on Thursday, tracking a broad sell-off across Asian markets and losses on Wall Street after hotter-than-expected US inflation data revived concerns about further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Elevated crude oil prices and persistent foreign fund outflows could add to the pressure on domestic equities. 

Asia Falls 

Asian stocks fell sharply in early trade, with MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan declining 3.3%. South Korea’s KOSPI plunged 7.8%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 shed 4.8%. S&P 500 E-mini futures were down 0.4%, pointing to continued weakness in global risk appetite. 

Technology stocks bore the brunt of the selling, as investors reassessed valuations and financing risks in the artificial intelligence sector following the latest US inflation numbers. The weakness in Asian markets came after a third consecutive session of declines on Wall Street. 

Wall Street Ends Lower As Inflation Revives Rate-Hike Fears 

US stocks closed sharply lower on Wednesday after consumer price inflation accelerated more than expected in September, strengthening expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates again as early as its October 28 policy meeting. 

The S&P 500 fell 1.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 1.9%. The semiconductor index extended its losing streak to six sessions, as investors sold technology shares sensitive to higher borrowing costs. 

Oracle and CoreWeave were among the stocks under pressure amid concerns about the financing requirements and investment timelines associated with artificial intelligence infrastructure. The latest inflation reading also shifted attention towards upcoming US producer price and retail sales data, alongside comments from Federal Reserve officials, for further clues on the monetary policy outlook. 

Markets are now pricing in a higher probability of a 25-basis-point rate increase at the Fed’s next meeting, adding to uncertainty over the outlook for global equities. 

Crude Oil Remains Elevated Amid West Asia Tensions 

Oil prices remain another key variable for investors, particularly in India, which relies heavily on imported crude. Brent crude had been trading above $100 a barrel, with supply concerns intensifying after two vessels were struck in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian officials signalled new tactics targeting shipping. 

Although oil prices eased in early Thursday trade, Brent remained around $104 a barrel, keeping energy costs elevated. Sustained high crude prices could worsen India’s import bill, put pressure on the rupee and complicate the inflation outlook, while weighing on corporate margins in oil-sensitive sectors. 

Indian Markets In Focus 

The global weakness follows a subdued session for domestic equities on Wednesday. The Sensex fell 0.34% to close at 72,781.89, while the Nifty 50 declined 0.44% to 22,622.70, as higher oil prices and foreign investor outflows weighed on sentiment. 

With Asian markets under pressure, US rate expectations shifting higher and crude prices still elevated, Indian benchmarks could see a weak or cautious start. Investors will also track quarterly earnings and stock-specific developments for cues on the direction of trade. 

Source

•  Exchanges