{
  "id": 13853345,
  "title": "Shares cautious in Asia as earnings loom, oil slips",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/shares-cautious-in-asia-as-earnings-loom-oil-slips-13853345",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-12T02:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40443766/shares-cautious-in-asia-as-earnings-loom-oil-slips"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Asian share markets opened cautiously on Monday as companies prepare to release earnings, causing concern over the inflated tech valuations. Oil prices were volatile after strikes affected shipping and airports in the Gulf, leading to a dip in Brent futures and US crude futures. President Donald Trump's announcement of an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia faced skepticism, as neither side had confirmed the plan. Meanwhile, Republican and Democratic senators criticized Trump's proposal for Russia to increase diesel exports as potentially illegal. South Korean stocks declined by 1.1%, while MSCI's Asia-Pacific index outside Japan remained stable. On Wall Street, S&P 500 futures showed a slight increase, and Nasdaq futures rose marginally. In Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures climbed, and DAX and FTSE futures also saw gains. Trading activity was light due to Japan's closed markets and a U.S. partial holiday before the start of major earnings reports. American tech companies have been driving the S&P 500 earnings growth, with most of the 30% increase forecasted for the third quarter originating from the tech sector. Economists at AMP noted that most of the S&P 500's recent gains have been in the tech industry, and investors are seeking higher yields to cover the costs of extensive borrowing for AI initiatives. The U.S. investment-grade credit default swap index revealed a significant spike, signaling growing concerns about default risks. This trend may lead to higher refinancing expenses as corporate debt matures in the coming years. Inflation expectations are on the rise, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) projected to increase by 0.6% to 3.7% annually, while core inflation is expected to remain steady at 0.2% and 2.5%. Bruce Kasman, JPMorgan's head of global economics, pointed out that oil prices are higher than anticipated due to increased shipping costs, and product prices are even more elevated. The market forecasts an 18% probability of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike this month, but an 85% chance of a hike in December. The euro remained weak at $1.1201, experiencing its fifth consecutive weekly decline due to worries about European government deficits. The dollar index approached 17-month highs but has stalled near 102.25, while the yen has remained stagnant at 158.15 due to Japan's potential intervention. Gold prices increased by 0.3% to $4,206 an ounce, showing a bounce of over 1% last week.",
  "summary": "SYDNEY: Asian share markets got off to a cautious start on Monday as earnings season loomed as a challenge to sky-high tech valuations, while oil was choppy after strikes on shipping and airports in the Gulf. There was considerable confusion about President Donald Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, which neither side had confirmed. Trump’s proposal for Russia…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CNA - Business",
        "title": "Shares cautious in Asia as earnings loom, oil slips",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/shares-cautious-in-asia-as-earnings-loom-oil-slips",
        "published": "2026-10-12T00:42:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Shares cautious in Asia as earnings loom, oil slips",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/shares-cautious-in-asia-as-earnings-loom-oil-slips-13849111",
        "published": "2026-10-12T01:14:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "Shares seesaw in Asia as earnings loom, oil skids",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/shares-seesaw-in-asia-as-earnings-loom-oil-skids-13860211",
        "published": "2026-10-12T02:48:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}