Global Markets Today, September 30, 2026: Asia Mostly Higher, Wall Street Lower, Oil Elevated; India May Open Higher

Mumbai, September 30: Asian markets traded mostly higher on Wednesday, while US stock futures edged up, pointing to a mildly positive start for Indian equities. However, gains could remain limited as crude oil prices stayed elevated amid persistent concerns over Middle East supply disruptions, while US Treasury yields remained near multi-year highs. 

Asian Markets Trade Mostly Higher 

The MSCI Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.4% in early trade, while Japan’s Nikkei climbed 1.3%. South Korea’s Kospi declined 0.3%. 

US equity futures were marginally positive, with Nasdaq futures flatlining and S&P 500 futures gaining 0.17%. European futures were firmer as well, with EUROSTOXX 50 and DAX futures advancing 0.7% and 0.6% respectively. 

The gains in Asia came despite continued pressure in global bond markets. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield was around 5.24%, close to its highest level since 2007, and was headed for a rise of nearly 50 basis points in September. 

Wall Street Ends Lower 

Wall Street ended slightly lower in the previous session on rising Treasury yields. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.26%, while the S&P 500 declined 0.17% and the Nasdaq Composite shed 0.08%. 

The 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 5.293%, its highest since June 2007, while the 30-year yield touched 5.6206%, its highest since June 2002. 

Investors remain focused on upcoming US inflation and labour-market data for clues on the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path. 

Oil Prices Remain Key Risk 

Crude oil remains a key concern for Indian markets. Brent crude futures rose 0.5% to $103.1 a barrel on Wednesday, while US West Texas Intermediate crude declined 0.02% to $89.4. 

Both benchmarks were headed for monthly gains amid concerns over prolonged supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. 

Elevated crude prices remain a negative factor for India, given the country’s dependence on imported oil. Sustained high prices can increase the import bill, add to inflationary pressures and weigh on corporate margins. 

Indian Markets May See Mildly Positive Start 

Against this backdrop, Indian benchmark indices could see a flat-to-mildly positive opening on Wednesday, tracking gains across Asian markets and firmer US equity futures. 

However, the upside could remain capped as elevated crude prices and high US Treasury yields continue to weigh on global risk appetite. Investors will also track movements in oil prices and global bond yields for further cues through the session. 

Source

• Exchanges