Asia lower after Fed's decision to hold rates
Asian stock indexes traded with losses on Thursday following the latest Federal Reserve board meeting in the United States. The Fed decided not to raise interest rates this month but signaled that it is prepared to return to tightening if needed. In Japan, the government announced new economic measures to fight inflation will be revealed next week as investors await the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision tomorrow.
The Nikkei 225 lost 1.04% at 4:18 am CET, the Kospi Composite was down by 1.14% a minute later, the Hang Seng fell by 1.21%, and the S&P/ASX 200 declined by 1.20%. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite dropped 0.46% at 4:20 am CET, and the Shenzhen Composite decreased by 0.37%.
The dollar traded 0.06% lower against the yen at 4:21 am CET, going for 148.2635.