Markets on September 21: Oil Falls, Stocks Rise Ahead of US-China Leaders Meeting
Today, Monday, September 21, 2026 (data as of 14:30 Almaty / 09:30 GMT), global markets show positive dynamics: stocks rise in Europe and Asia, while US index futures trade higher. The main factor is the decline in oil prices for the fourth consecutive session.
Today, Monday, September 21, 2026 (data as of 14:30 Almaty / 09:30 GMT), global markets show positive dynamics: stocks rise in Europe and Asia, while US index futures trade higher. The main factor is the decline in oil prices for the fourth consecutive session. Investors’ focus this week is on the scheduled Thursday meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, as well as the release of key US inflation data (PCE) on Friday.
Oil: Decline to $101.71 and Geopolitical Context
Price dynamics: At the start of the Asian session, Brent prices fell to $101.71 per barrel — the lowest since September 10. The market is hopeful for diplomatic progress on the Iranian issue at the UN General Assembly, as well as considering a partial recovery of supplies from Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Exports: According to preliminary Kpler data, exports in September are just over 4 million barrels per day (compared to 2.4 million in August), mainly through the Strait of Hormuz.
Risks and diplomacy: The Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on facilities in Riyadh and the Aramco hub in Yanbu. According to Iranian sources, China has asked Iran to restrain the Houthis. Trump has indicated a possible meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian in New York.
Stock Markets: Rise in Europe and Asia, Positive US Futures
Europe: The STOXX 600 index rose 0.8% to 640.55 points by 08:20 GMT. Technology companies (+2% led by chipmakers Soitec and Aixtron) drove the gains. The oil price decline supports airlines and tour operators.
Asia: Japanese markets are closed for a holiday. South Korea’s KOSPI gained 1.5% (~6,996) thanks to the semiconductor sector. Hang Seng rose 0.4% (~24,854), Shanghai Composite up 0.4% (~3,929). The yuan strengthened to a 3.5-year high.
USA: Futures show confident gains (CNBC data at 04:46 NY): S&P 500 +0.66%, Nasdaq-100 +1.04%, Dow +0.72%.
Currencies, Bonds, and PBOC Decision
Currency market and Treasuries: The EUR/USD pair trades around 1.1476 (−0.1%). The yield on 10-year US Treasuries fell to about 4.97% after retreating from the 5% level on Friday.
China (LPR rates): On Sunday, the People’s Bank of China kept benchmark lending rates unchanged for the 16th consecutive month: 1-year LPR at 3.00%, 5-year at 3.50%, matching expectations of all 21 Reuters survey participants.
Precious Metals and Cryptocurrencies
Precious metals (XAU/USD): Gold falls to $1,359 per ounce (−0.5%). The metal remains pressured by high government bond yields and expectations of a hawkish Fed policy.
Digital assets: Bitcoin holds at $81,360 (+1.1%), Ethereum rises more actively to about $2,666 (+3.4%). A significant capital inflow on September 18 helped US spot Bitcoin ETFs avoid outflows for the week, while spot Ether ETFs lost $140 million.
Calendar of Key Events This Week
During the release of major macroeconomic data, a blackout period applies (±3 minutes). Opening, closing, and editing order parameters are unavailable during this time.
| Day | Events and Releases |
|---|---|
| Monday | Speeches by Fed’s Goolsbee, ECB’s Lagarde, and Bank of Canada’s Macklem. |
| Wednesday | Preliminary PMIs: US (forecast 55.2 vs 56.0), Eurozone (forecast 51.7 vs 52.0). |
| Thursday | Meeting of Trump and Xi Jinping (AI, tariffs, rare metals); decisions by SNB and Banxico. |
| Friday | Release of US PCE inflation index. |
Summary: This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The trading week promises increased volatility in the second half amid geopolitical talks and PCE releases.