Global Stocks Decline Amid High Oil Prices, AI Rebound on Wall Street

Global stock markets were mostly lower on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, despite a rebound in artificial intelligence-related stocks on Wall Street. Major Asian indices, including Japan's Nikkei 225, Australia's S&P/ASX 200, South Korea's Kospi, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng, all experienced declines. European markets also dipped in early trading. Meanwhile, oil prices remained elevated, with benchmark U.S. crude jumping 2.13% to $105.87 a barrel and Brent crude gaining 1.10% to $110.75 a barrel, driven by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the war with Iran.