Global stocks mostly advanced on Monday, October 26, 2026, as European markets rose and several Asian benchmarks recovered from early losses. Oil prices fell more than 1%, while investors prepared for major technology earnings and central bank decisions later in the week.
Key Takeaways
- European shares advanced, but chip-related selling weighed on Japan and South Korea.
- Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon are due to report earnings during the week.
- Oil retreated as investors awaited monetary policy decisions and US inflation data.
Table of Contents
- Global stocks recover unevenly after Wall Street losses
- Technology earnings put AI spending in focus
- Oil retreats as policy decisions approach
- Conclusion
Global stocks recover unevenly after Wall Street losses
Germany’s DAX, France’s CAC 40 and Britain’s FTSE 100 all gained in early European trading. US stock futures also pointed higher, with S&P 500 futures up 0.2% and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gaining 0.4%. These were indications ahead of the US session, not closing results.
The gains followed a weaker Wall Street session on Friday, October 23. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% and recorded its second consecutive weekly loss, while the Dow dropped 1.2% and the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.2%.
Asia’s performance was more divided. The Shanghai Composite and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 reversed early losses to finish higher, while Hong Kong also advanced. Japan and South Korea remained under pressure from technology shares.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Germany: DAX | Up 0.7% to 25,363.59 in early trading. |
| France: CAC 40 | Up 0.9% to 7,848.62 in early trading. |
| United Kingdom: FTSE 100 | Up 0.5% to 10,742.88 in early trading. |
| Japan: Nikkei 225 | Down 0.8% to 62,189.65. |
| South Korea: Kospi | Down 1.5% to 5,469.47. |
| China: Shanghai Composite | Closed up 0.2% at 3,697.52. |
Technology earnings put AI spending in focus
Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon are among the influential technology companies scheduled to release results during the week. Their earnings will give investors fresh evidence on whether heavy investment in artificial intelligence is translating into stronger business performance.
AI-related shares have faced bouts of selling as investors question whether elevated prices are justified. Borrowing to finance technology investment also leaves companies exposed to higher financing costs when interest rates rise.
In Monday’s Asian session, semiconductor-testing equipment maker Advantest fell 3.9%, while chip- and flat-panel production equipment maker Tokyo Electron lost 3.7%. Samsung Electronics declined 1.1%, contributing to South Korea’s weaker session.
Oil retreats as policy decisions approach
Brent crude fell 1.7% to $109.86 a barrel, while US benchmark crude dropped 2.1% to $101.08. The retreat followed last week’s rise in oil prices to their highest level in more than four years.
Japan’s policy outlook is another scheduled focus. The Bank of Japan monetary policy meeting schedule lists its next meeting for October 29–30, with the decision still ahead of investors.
The Federal Reserve also meets during the week. Market expectations described ahead of the meeting favored unchanged rates, while leaning toward another increase in December. Those expectations are not confirmed policy decisions.
The week also brings the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure. September inflation is expected to register 3.7%, above the central bank’s 2% target; that figure remains a forecast rather than a released result.
Conclusion
The next scheduled tests for global stocks are major technology earnings, central bank decisions and the US inflation release. Together, they will provide fresh information on corporate spending, financing costs and price pressures.
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Disclaimer
This FinanceVelix article provides general information, not personalized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Market prices, interest rates and economic conditions can change; investments carry a risk of loss. Facts reflect the material available when published and may change. Check important information independently and consult a qualified professional when needed. Mentioning an asset, company, or service is not an endorsement.
