Markets open on a cautious note

19 Oct 2026, 9:33AM

Weakness across Asian markets, selloff in US tech stocks, and concerns over AI-related investments weigh on sentiment. However, lower crude oil prices and a rebound in US equity futures could help limit losses.

At 9:20 AM on October 19, the Sensex was down 92 points at 74,623, while the Nifty declined 0.14% to 23,112.

Rupee check

The rupee extended its gains for a seventh consecutive session, opening 9 paise higher at 94.86 per dollar.

Global update

Asian markets were broadly weak, with MSCI’s regional equity gauge down 0.5%. South Korea’s Kospi bucked the trend, gaining 0.2% after recovering from opening losses. Japan’s Nikkei 225 futures fell 1.3%, while Hong Kong and Chinese equities eased 0.2%.

US equity futures rebounded after Friday's technology-led selloff, with S&P 500 futures rising 0.5% and Nasdaq 100 futures gaining 1%. The recovery in US futures, coupled with easing oil prices, helped cushion losses across Asian markets.