Global markets delivered a divided opening on Wednesday as a powerful technology rally lifted parts of Asia, while rising oil prices, geopolitical tension and caution ahead of US inflation figures restrained trading across the Arab region, Africa and Europe. South Korea produced the session’s strongest advance, but most other major markets moved only modestly.
Asian chip shares lead the gains
South Korea’s Kospi surged more than 4% as investors returned aggressively to semiconductor shares. Samsung Electronics gained around 7.7%, while SK Hynix advanced approximately 7.1%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose about 0.6%, Taiwan’s Taiex added 0.8% and China’s Shanghai Composite edged 0.3% higher.
The regional picture was not uniformly positive. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell around 1.2%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.6% and Indian equities weakened in early trading. India’s Nifty 50 and Sensex both lost approximately 0.4% as higher crude prices increased concerns about inflation and the country’s import costs.
Arab markets open cautiously
Markets in the Gulf opened with limited movement as investors balanced stronger oil prices against renewed concern over regional security and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged approximately 0.1% higher to around 10,841 points, while Abu Dhabi’s ADX General Index was virtually unchanged near 10,009.
Energy shares received some support as Brent crude approached $90 a barrel, but the broader mood remained restrained. Investors continued to monitor the conflict involving Iran, attacks on commercial shipping near Yemen and the uncertain prospects for an agreement restoring normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
African markets move in opposite directions
South African equities opened slightly lower, with the FTSE/JSE All Share Index losing around 0.2%. Weakness in Naspers, Richemont, MTN and several financial shares outweighed gains among selected gold producers. The South African rand remained relatively stable and traded close to a five-month high against the dollar.
Egypt provided a more positive regional signal. The EGX 30 gained approximately 0.4% to trade above 55,000 points, extending a strong longer-term performance. Nigerian equities remained more cautious following the previous session’s decline, with investors assessing high domestic interest rates and movements in oil and the naira.
Europe starts close to unchanged
European markets opened cautiously as the STOXX Europe 600 remained almost flat near record territory. Germany’s DAX edged approximately 0.1% higher, while France’s CAC 40 slipped around 0.2%. Energy companies benefited from rising crude prices, but automobile shares weakened.
German naval shipbuilder TKMS jumped after raising its outlook, while tourism group TUI declined following results affected by softer bookings and higher fuel expenses. Investors also remained focused on corporate earnings and the approaching US consumer price report.
London slips as investors await inflation
London’s FTSE 100 opened around 0.1% lower. Gains among energy companies offered some support, but caution across consumer, industrial and interest-rate-sensitive shares prevented a broader advance.
Inflation remains the decisive factor
Wednesday’s trading demonstrated that investors remain willing to buy technology and energy shares but are reluctant to take broader risks. The next major direction for global equities is likely to depend on US inflation data and its implications for the Federal Reserve’s September interest-rate decision.
Newshub Editorial in Global Markets – 12 August 2026
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