Global Markets Today, October 19, 2026: Sensex, Nifty Seen Opening Cautiously As Asian Shares Slip, Oil Prices Ease 

Mumbai, October 19: Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 are likely to open on a cautious note on Monday, October 19, as weakness across Asian markets offsets gains in US stock futures and a decline in crude oil prices. Investors will track global risk sentiment, elevated oil prices and foreign fund flows for cues, with concerns over massive artificial intelligence investments adding to uncertainty ahead of a busy week of corporate earnings. 

Asian Markets 

Asian equities traded lower on Monday, with technology stocks under pressure amid concerns over the enormous capital expenditure required to build artificial intelligence infrastructure. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.2%. South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.06%, and Taiwan’s benchmark dropped 1.4%. 

China’s blue-chip CSI 300 index reversed early losses to rise 0.3% after data showed the world’s second-largest economy grew 4.5% year-on-year in the July-September quarter, marginally exceeding expectations. Retail sales rose 1.1%, while industrial output expanded 5.5%. 

Investors are also assessing whether expected earnings growth from major technology companies will justify their substantial AI investments. Several prominent US technology and semiconductor companies are scheduled to report results this week, keeping global equities sensitive to earnings-related developments. 

US, European Futures 

US stock futures advanced, providing some support to global sentiment despite weakness in Asian markets. S&P 500 futures rose 0.7%, while Nasdaq futures gained 1.2%, helped partly by falling oil prices and a retreat in US Treasury yields. 

Investors will watch results from companies including Meta Platforms and Tesla, alongside semiconductor firms, for indications of whether spending on AI infrastructure can translate into sustainable earnings growth. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index lost 11.4% last week, marking its longest losing streak since 2008. 

European markets, meanwhile, presented a different story. EURO STOXX 50 futures declined 0.3%, Germany’s DAX futures fell 0.2%, and Britain’s FTSE futures rose 0.4%. Political uncertainty in France added to investor caution. 

Crude Oil Prices 

Oil prices declined after US President Donald Trump indicated a possible easing of some sanctions on Russia, although he subsequently said a final decision had not been made. Brent crude futures fell 1.7% to $108 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 0.7% to $100.7. 

However, persistent geopolitical tensions continued to pose risks to supply. Iran reported that another tanker had struck a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, keeping concerns about potential disruptions in a key global oil transit route alive. 

For India, lower crude prices could offer some relief by easing imported inflation and pressure on the rupee. Nevertheless, oil remains elevated, while foreign investor outflows and global uncertainty could limit gains in domestic equities. 

Indian Market Outlook 

The combination of falling Asian shares and rising US futures points to a mixed global setup for Indian markets. Easing crude prices may provide support, but persistent geopolitical risks and concerns over foreign portfolio flows could keep investors cautious. The Sensex and Nifty 50 may therefore see a tentative start, with the direction of trading likely to depend on domestic buying interest and whether improving sentiment in US futures can offset weakness across Asia. 

Source

• Exchanges