Markets Today (12 October 2026) at Open: Kapitales Morning Highlights from Wall Street to ASX

Headline

• ASX 200 futures point to a positive opening, rising 37 points (+0.42%).
• Wall Street ends a volatile week higher, with the S&P 500 nearing record levels.
• Technology stocks rebound as investors await major US bank earnings.
• Trump–Putin diesel deal includes temporary sanctions relief through April 2027.
• Middle East tensions escalate following a reported Houthi attack in Riyadh and allegations of Russian missile supplies to Iran.

Global Markets Overview

Global equity markets delivered a largely positive performance, supported by improving investor sentiment and renewed buying interest across major international benchmarks. Wall Street ended higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite advancing as technology stocks recovered, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also recorded solid gains. European equities maintained positive momentum, with the UK's FTSE 100 strengthening amid broader market optimism. Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite recorded the strongest gains among the major global benchmarks reviewed, reflecting robust performance in Canadian equities.

In the Asia-Pacific region, market performance varied, with Japan's Nikkei recording a marginal decline, while Indian equities advanced amid positive investor sentiment. Meanwhile, New Zealand's NZX 50 registered gains, reflecting strength in the Oceania market. Overall, global equities demonstrated positive momentum, with advances across North America, Europe, India and New Zealand. Nevertheless, investors remain attentive to upcoming corporate earnings, monetary policy developments and geopolitical uncertainties that could influence market direction in subsequent trading sessions.

Commodities & Crypto

Commodity markets recorded widespread gains, with precious metals and industrial metals demonstrating positive momentum. Gold prices advanced, reflecting renewed buying interest in the precious metal, while silver outperformed other listed commodities, registering the strongest increase. Copper also recorded substantial gains, indicating improved momentum in industrial metals. Meanwhile, WTI crude oil prices edged higher, reflecting relatively modest upward movement in energy markets.

Uranium also recorded gains, supported by growing demand for nuclear energy. In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin registered a moderate increase, reflecting positive price momentum in digital assets. Overall, precious metals, industrial commodities and energy markets recorded gains, while cryptocurrencies also showed positive performance.

Bond Yields

Global government bond yields showed varied movements across major markets. Australia's benchmark government bond yield declined, indicating an easing in long-term borrowing costs. Similarly, Japan's government bond yield moved lower, reflecting a downward trend in the country's bond market. In the United States, the benchmark Treasury yield edged higher, indicating a marginal increase in borrowing costs, while the longer-term Treasury yield declined slightly. Overall, government bond markets recorded mixed movements, with yields easing in Australia and Japan, while US Treasury yields moved in different directions across maturities. Investors remain focused on central bank interest rate decisions, inflation trends and economic developments that could influence bond yields in upcoming trading sessions.

Key Drivers

• US indices closed higher, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow recording weekly gains.
• The S&P 500 gained 1.15% weekly, while the Nasdaq and Dow advanced 0.64% and 0.93%, respectively.
• US 10-year Treasury yields remained elevated near 5.25%.
• Wall Street's third-quarter earnings season begins Tuesday, led by major US banks.
• AI stocks stabilised following reports that OpenAI's annualised revenue could reach US$70 billion by year-end.
• Telecom stocks faced heavy selling after SpaceX announced a nationwide spectrum acquisition for Starlink Mobile.
• The ongoing US equity bull market approaches its fourth anniversary, having advanced approximately 119%.
• Historical data from Deutsche Bank suggests US equities have frequently gained around midterm elections.
• Delta Air Lines reported 15.7% adjusted revenue growth, but higher fuel costs pressured earnings and guidance.
• Apple shares declined following reports of reduced production orders for its iPhone 18 Pro models.
• Moderna shares surged 9% following reports of accelerated cancer vaccine development initiatives.
• Nvidia entered preliminary discussions regarding additional investment or computing support for Reflection AI.
• A reported Houthi attack on Riyadh's main airport killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300.
• Russia is reportedly supplying missiles to Iran despite ongoing military strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure.
• Trump announced a Russian diesel supply agreement involving immediate and additional planned shipments.
• The US temporarily eased sanctions on Russian diesel through April 2027, while Russia partially relaxed export restrictions.
• China plans to resume refined fuel exports following the Golden Week holiday, potentially increasing global supply.
• US consumer sentiment declined to a five-month low of 46.3 in October, reflecting persistent cost-of-living concerns.

ASX Company News

• Summerset Group Holdings Limited (ASX: SNZ) reported 415 occupation right sales in Q3 FY26, comprising 175 new sales and 240 resales. Total sales for the first nine months of FY26 reached 1,228, representing a 10% increase year-on-year, while resales rose 27%. The Company reported a 36% annual increase in quarterly resales and maintained a positive sales outlook for the remainder of 2026, supported by a solid pipeline of potential contracts.
• Ryman Healthcare Limited (ASX: RYM) reported 379 retirement living occupation right agreement sales in Q2 FY27, comprising 312 resales and 67 new sales. Resales increased 14% year-on-year, reaching their highest quarterly level in eight quarters, while aged care occupancy improved to 94.0%. The Company reduced its new retirement living inventory to 347 units and reaffirmed its FY27 construction guidance of 157–168 retirement living units and aged care beds.
• Rox Resources Limited (ASX: RXL) reported 39% construction completion at its Youanmi Gold Project processing plant in Western Australia, with first gold production targeted for mid-2027. Underground development advanced 566 metres during September 2026, while construction of the tailings storage facility progressed. Following an initial AU$90.2 million debt facility drawdown in October, the Company's cash balance increased to AU$149.2 million, strengthening its funding position as development activities continue.
• Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited (ASX: SXE) announced an agreement to acquire Entire Operations Pty Limited for up to AU$112.1 million, comprising AU$70.0 million upfront and up to AU$42.1 million in performance-linked payments. Entire generated AU$191.0 million in FY26 revenue and AU$17.5 million in EBIT. The Company increased its FY27 EBITDA guidance to at least AU$110.0 million, incorporating the acquisition's expected contribution, with completion anticipated around 1 November 2026.
• GenusPlus Group Limited (ASX: GNP) announced an agreement to acquire Universal Communications Group Holdings Limited for up to NZ$65.0 million, comprising approximately NZ$38.25 million upfront, NZ$1.75 million in deferred payments and up to NZ$25.0 million in performance-linked payments. UCG generated approximately NZ$96.0 million in unaudited FY26 revenue and NZ$7.8 million in adjusted EBIT. The acquisition is expected to be immediately earnings-accretive and strengthen the Company's telecommunications infrastructure operations across New Zealand.

Stocks trading ex-dividend today

• Civmec Limited (ASX: CVL) – AU$0.035
• Dominion Income Trust 1 (ASX: DN1) – AU$0.633
• Turners Automotive Group Limited (ASX: TRA) – AU$0.056
• Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited (ASX: SOL) – AU$0.63

Key Economic Drivers (What to Watch Today)

• Commodities Strength: Global commodity markets recorded strong overnight gains, led by zinc, platinum, silver, copper and gold. Resource-focused ETFs also advanced, with copper miners and gold miners outperforming, potentially supporting Australian mining stocks in today's trading session.
• US Corporate Earnings: Major Wall Street banks begin reporting quarterly results this week, providing insights into corporate profitability and economic conditions.
• Geopolitical Developments: Middle East tensions and the US–Russia diesel agreement remain key factors influencing global energy prices and investor confidence.

Summary

• ASX 200 futures point to a positive opening, rising 37 points (+0.42%), as Wall Street ended a volatile week higher and commodity prices rallied overnight.
• The S&P 500 approached record levels as technology stocks rebounded.
• Canada's S&P/TSX Composite led gains among the listed global indices.
• Gold advanced 1.47%, while silver gained 2.73%, leading precious metal gains.
• Copper rose 2.21%, reflecting strong momentum across industrial metals.
• WTI crude oil edged higher, while uranium also recorded gains.
• Bitcoin advanced 0.66%, reflecting positive momentum in cryptocurrency markets.
• Australian and Japanese government bond yields declined, offering potential relief to equity markets.
• Major US banks are set to begin reporting third-quarter earnings on Tuesday.

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