Global Markets Today, September 18, 2026: Asian Stocks Rise, Wall Street Rebounds; India Seen Getting Positive Start

Mumbai, September 18: Asian stocks traded higher on Friday, while Wall Street ended sharply in the green in the previous session, as easing oil prices and softer US Treasury yields helped investors look past the Federal Reserve’s first interest-rate hike in more than three years. The global cues point to a relatively positive start for Indian equity benchmarks, although elevated crude prices and the prospect of further US rate hikes could keep gains in check. 

Asian Markets 

Asian equities gained on Friday as investors assessed a fresh round of monetary policy decisions and took some comfort from a pullback in oil prices. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.9%, while Japan’s Nikkei was higher 0.8% ahead of the Bank of Japan’s policy decision, where markets expect another rate increase. South Korea’s Kospi rose 2.15%. 

The softer crude backdrop provided some relief to risk sentiment after oil prices had remained above $100 a barrel for much of the week amid the prolonged Middle East conflict. Investors, however, continued to monitor inflation risks and the possibility of tighter monetary policy globally. 

Wall Street 

US stocks staged a strong rebound on Thursday, with all three major indexes closing sharply higher. Technology shares led the gains, helping the Nasdaq outperform, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also advanced. 

The rally came a day after US equities fell following the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4%. The hike was the Fed’s first since 2023 and was accompanied by a hawkish signal, with 16 of 18 policymakers projecting at least one more rate increase by the end of 2026. 

Markets nevertheless found some relief as US Treasury yields eased and crude prices retreated. Investors also appeared to take the Fed’s latest move as removing some uncertainty that had been hanging over markets. 

Oil Prices 

Crude prices remained a key variable for global markets. Brent crude had fallen about 1% to $104.80 a barrel on Thursday after Saudi Arabia offered additional crude cargoes through Oman, easing some concerns over supply disruptions. 

However, geopolitical risks remain elevated, with the Middle East conflict continuing to threaten energy supplies. The combination of oil above $100 and a stronger dollar remains a concern for import-dependent economies such as India. 

Indian Markets 

The combination of stronger Asian equities, a Wall Street rebound and softer crude prices could provide a positive opening cue for Indian markets on Friday. However, investors are likely to remain cautious given the Fed’s hawkish stance, elevated oil prices and continued pressure on the rupee. 

Overall, the global setup suggests Indian equities could open higher on Friday, though the sustainability of the gains may depend on movements in crude oil, the rupee and foreign fund flows through the session. 

Source

•  Exchanges