Global Markets Today, September 21, 2026: Asia Gains, US And European Futures Up, Oil Slides; India Could Get Mildly Positive Start

Mumbai, September 21: Asian equities edged higher on Monday, led by technology stocks, while US and European equity futures also traded in positive territory as easing oil prices offered some relief to risk sentiment. However, elevated global bond yields and continued tensions in the Middle East kept investors cautious, suggesting Indian markets could see a mildly positive start but with volatility likely to remain high. 

Asian Markets 

Asian stocks moved higher, with technology shares leading gains as strong demand for data boosted chipmakers. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.8%, while South Korea’s tech-heavy Kospi gained 1.5%. Chinese blue-chip stocks index CSI 300 advanced 0.4%. 

Japan’s Nikkei was closed for a holiday, although Nikkei futures rose 0.2%. Trading volumes across the region were relatively thin because of the Japanese holiday. 

The strength in Asian technology stocks could offer some cues to Indian IT and technology shares at the open, particularly after global software and chip stocks remained resilient. At the same time, the broader Asian gains were tempered by concerns over higher interest rates and geopolitical risks. 

US, European Futures 

US stock futures were also higher, with S&P 500 futures gaining 0.04% and Nasdaq futures rising 0.3%, with investors assessing the Federal Reserve’s hawkish policy signals and the possibility of another interest-rate increase later this year. 

EUROSTOXX 50 futures were up 0.5% and DAX futures were up 0.4%, while FTSE futures gained 0.3%.  

Oil Prices 

Crude oil prices eased as investors assessed signs that more supplies were reaching global markets despite continued conflict in the Middle East. Brent crude fell 2.2% to $101.6 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 2.3% to $98. Data showed Saudi Arabian exports had recovered in September, while US officials also pointed to increased crude, cargo and LNG flows. 

The decline in oil prices is a positive cue for India, one of the world’s largest crude importers, as lower energy costs can ease pressure on inflation, the rupee and corporate margins. Still, Brent remains above $100 a barrel, keeping the oil shock firmly in focus for Indian equities. 

Overall, the combination of gains in Asian equities, firmer US and European futures and softer crude prices could support a cautiously positive opening for the Sensex and Nifty. However, elevated US Treasury yields, expectations of further Fed tightening and Middle East tensions could limit gains and keep investors watchful through the session. The US two-year Treasury yields have risen sharply in recent weeks, underscoring the pressure from tighter global financial conditions. 

Source

• Exchanges