Stock market today, Dec. 18 -- Global markets enter today's session on a cautious footing following a sharp overnight sell-off in the US. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow extended their losing streak as investors booked profits in high-valuation technology and AI stocks. Renewed scepticism around AI capex returns, reports of funding pullbacks in data-centre investments, and a visible rotation toward defensive sectors have reinforced a risk-off tone. Investor sentiment also remains cautious ahead of the release of US consumer price inflation data, with divided views in the market over the future trajectory of monetary policy, prompting participants to stay defensive and avoid aggressive positioning.

Asian markets opened on a weak note, mirror...