Global equity markets are expected to open cautiously on Monday, 24 August, as investors balance Friday’s recovery on Wall Street against elevated oil prices, rising government bond yields and continuing uncertainty surrounding the conflict with Iran.
Asia faces a defensive opening
Asian markets are likely to begin the week on a mixed-to-lower footing after a difficult Friday session. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 2.1%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined approximately 0.3% and mainland China’s Shanghai Composite slipped 0.29%.
Japanese technology and export shares may remain sensitive to movements in US bond yields and the yen. Chinese equities face additional pressure from weakness in the property sector, although plans to revise outbound investment regulations could influence financial and industrial stocks.
India may open relatively flat after the Nifty 50 gained just 0.08% on Friday to close at 24,252. Higher energy costs remain a particular concern for the oil-importing economy, while private banks could continue to provide some support.
European markets look for stability
European shares are expected to open cautiously higher following Friday’s 0.59% rise in the STOXX 600. The index nevertheless recorded a second consecutive weekly decline as higher borrowing costs and oil-driven inflation concerns outweighed encouraging corporate results.
Recent business surveys showed that eurozone activity expanded at its fastest pace of 2026, offering some reassurance over economic resilience. However, investors will remain alert to European Central Bank expectations and the effect of more expensive energy on manufacturers, transport companies and consumer spending.
Mining and precious-metal shares may receive support from firm gold prices and a weaker US dollar.
Wall Street attempts to extend rebound
US markets are positioned for a restrained opening after all three major indices recovered on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.98%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each gained approximately 0.43%.
Despite the rebound, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended three-week winning streaks. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 1.43%, the Nasdaq declined 2.05% and the Dow fell 0.85%.
Technology shares may remain volatile ahead of Nvidia’s quarterly results, while investors are also preparing for Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh’s appearance at the Jackson Hole symposium and the release of US personal consumption expenditure inflation figures later in the week.
Oil keeps Gulf and African markets alert
Brent crude ended Friday at $94.39 a barrel, gaining 6.39% over the week, while US crude settled at $87.06. Continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and threats of further sanctions against Iran’s trading partners are maintaining a substantial geopolitical premium.
Gulf markets may therefore see sharp sector differences, with energy-related companies supported by higher crude prices while airlines, logistics groups and other domestic businesses face uncertainty.
In Africa, Johannesburg could receive support from gold producers and the stronger South African rand. However, high oil prices and global borrowing costs remain significant risks for energy-importing African economies.
Latin America may find selective support
Latin American markets are expected to open mixed. A softer dollar and firm commodity prices could benefit Brazil, Chile and other resource exporters, but elevated US yields may restrict capital flows into emerging-market assets.
The most probable global opening is therefore cautious rather than decisively negative. Friday’s Wall Street rebound offers support, but oil, bonds and developments involving Iran are likely to determine whether early gains can be sustained.
Newshub Editorial in Global Markets – 23 August 2026
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