India replaces Indonesia as Asia's least-preferred stock market: BofA poll

• Indian stock markets declined for the seventh consecutive session on August 19, 2026, with the Nifty 50 losing 2.1% over the seven-day period. • The downturn was driven by high long-term global bond yields, which reduced investor appetite for emerging-market equities.

• Asian equity markets declined today as a sharp selloff in semiconductor shares triggered a broader downturn across the region. • The bearish sentiment was driven by a combination of rising bond yields, escalating oil prices, and heightened Middle East tensions.

• India has overtaken Indonesia as the least-preferred stock market in Asia according to a recent Bank of America survey of fund managers. • Approximately 32% of the surveyed respondents are currently net underweight on Indian equities, signaling a bearish sentiment.

• India has replaced Indonesia as the "least-favoured" Asian stock market according to a recent fund managers' survey conducted by Bank of America Corp. • The shift comes as India's stock market ranks among the worst performing in Asia this year, leading many fund managers to maintain underweight positions.

• Major European stock market indices, including the STOXX 600, have retreated by approximately 0.5 per cent. • The downturn is mirrored in the U.S., where Wall Street futures contracts indicate a lower opening for the trading session.

• Global bond and stock markets experienced significant volatility as escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupted previous market stability. • Investors reacted to the geopolitical instability, leading to a "jolt" in asset prices as risk appetite declined.

• Major U.S. stock indices declined today, with the Nasdaq 100 leading the losses at -1.76%, followed by the S&P 500 at -0.61% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average at -0.10%. • The downturn is primarily driven by a significant sell-off in chipmaker stocks, which has weighed heavily on tech-heavy indices.

• Euro zone government bond yields paused their recent upward trend on Wednesday, following a period of stability in the U.S. Treasury market. • Despite the stabilization in bonds, global markets remain under pressure due to a continuous surge in oil prices.

• The US yield curve experienced a bear steepening yesterday, despite a lack of specific economic or monetary data triggers. • Daily yield changes varied across the curve, ranging from a modest +0.6 bps for 2-year notes to +4.7 bps for 30-year bonds.

• Indian equities remained under pressure on Wednesday, with the Nifty 50 recording its seventh consecutive session of losses. • The market decline was driven by rising crude oil prices following statements from Donald Trump that Washington is not conducting peace negotiations with Iran.

• European shares declined on Tuesday, with the STOXX 600 falling 0.2% due to rising inflation concerns. • Brent crude prices climbed to $91.41 a barrel, boosting energy stocks by 0.6% while weighing on broader market sentiment.