Global Market Updates - Precap

28 Apr 2026 , 06:44 PM

US MARKETS

• Nasdaq Composite: +0.20% (Record high)
• S&P 500: +0.12% (Record high)
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: -0.13%

US markets touched new highs, but gains were limited due to rising oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions. All eyes are now on the Federal Reserve meeting that begins this week

Key developments:

• Microsoft and OpenAI revised their agreement, ending exclusivity
• Alphabet Inc. rose 1.8%
• Amazon fell 1.1%

AI-related memory stocks performed well, supported by strong long-term demand expectations.

 

UK — FTSE 100 & GBP/USD

• FTSE: 10,330 (-0.47%)
• GBP/USD: ~1.354

UK markets declined due to concerns around oil prices and geopolitical developments. Energy and consumer stocks dragged the index lower, while some defense and pharma stocks limited the fall.

Key focus areas:

• Increase in oil prices due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz
• Important week with multiple global central bank decisions

UK inflation stands at 3.3%, and the Bank of England is expected to keep rates unchanged at 3.75%.

SHANGHAI COMPOSITE (China)

Close: 4,088 | +0.20%

Chinese markets moved higher, supported by strong domestic economic data. Industrial profits increased by 15.5% YoY, and producer prices turned positive after a long period of deflation.

Top gainers:

• BAIC BluePark +3.78%
• Yonghui Superstore +2.12%
• CITIC Securities +2.02%

Top losers:

• Hengli Petrochemical -9.98%
• Kweichow Moutai -3.85%

AI and semiconductor-related stocks continued to show strength.

 

HANG SENG (Hong Kong)

Close: 25,926 | -0.20%

The index declined slightly as investors remained cautious due to increasing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in energy markets. Rising oil prices and upcoming central bank decisions limited the market movement.

Key stocks:

• Tencent Holdings -1%
• SMIC -1.3%
• Xiaomi Corporation -1.1%

CATL priced its $5 billion share sale at the lower end, indicating cautious investor interest.

 

COMMODITIES

Gold: ~$4,700/oz
Gold prices remained stable as investors waited for central bank decisions on upcoming policy announcements. Prices are up 40% YoY but face pressure from expectations of higher interest rates.

WTI Crude: $96–100
Brent Crude: $109–111

Oil prices surged to levels above $100 due to the ongoing tensions on the Strait of Hormuz situation, raising inflation concerns and affecting global growth outlook.

 

TOP IMPACT ON INDIA

1. Oil Prices (Major Risk)
   Higher crude prices increase India’s import cost, raise inflation, weaken the rupee, and put pressure on markets. Oil companies are most affected.
2. RBI Policy Decision
   Rates are likely to remain around 5.25%, but a strict stance due to inflation may impact sectors like banking, real estate, and auto.
3. Global Central Banks
   If major central banks remain strict on rates, foreign investors may pull money out of India, affecting markets and currency.
4. Microsoft–OpenAI Changes
   Increased competition in AI may create both opportunities and challenges for Indian IT companies like
   1. TCS
   2. Infosys
   3. Wipro
5. China Growth
   Stronger Chinese demand supports Indian exports and indicates better global trade conditions.