Business · Markets · 3 hrs ago
Asian shares cautious as earnings season approaches and oil prices slip
Asian share markets began Monday cautiously as investors waited for the new earnings season.
South Korean stocks fell, while a broad index of regional shares outside Japan was little changed; Japan’s markets were closed.
Major US banks are due to begin reporting earnings on Tuesday, and investors are watching whether company results support high technology stock valuations.
Oil prices slipped after recent rises linked to strikes on shipping and airports in the Gulf.
This matters because higher energy costs can push up inflation and affect household spending and interest-rate decisions.
US inflation and retail sales data are due this week, and markets are also weighing the possibility of interest-rate increases later this year.
Investors will get more information as the bank earnings and economic data arrive.
Asian share markets started Monday cautiously as investors prepared for the earnings season and assessed high technology valuations.
South Korean stocks fell 1.1%, while an index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was little changed.
Brent crude futures slipped 1.1% to $103.50 a barrel, and US crude futures fell 1.2% to $90.73.
Trading was thin, with Japan’s markets closed and the United States observing a partial holiday.
Major US banks were due to begin reporting earnings on Tuesday.
- Who
- Asian share markets and investors preparing for the earnings season.
- What
- Asian shares were cautious, while oil prices slipped.
- When
- Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Asian markets; Japan’s markets were closed.
- Why
- Investors were weighing the approaching earnings season and high technology valuations, while oil was volatile after strikes on shipping and airports in the Gulf.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Overall, wider spreads suggest investors are questioning whether AI revenues can keep pace with rising borrowing costs.
Oil prices remain higher than we had assumed as shipping costs have soared, and product prices are even higher.
Asian markets began the week cautiously, with South Korean stocks down 1.1% and Brent crude futures slipping.
Major US banks were due to begin reporting earnings.
- South Korean stocks
- Fell 1.1%
- Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan
- Little changed
- Brent crude futures
- Fell 1.1% to $103.50 a barrel
- US crude futures
- Fell 1.2% to $90.73 a barrel
- Major US bank earnings
- Set to begin Tuesday
Sources
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