Wed Sep 18 02:32:42 UTC 2024: ## Asian Markets Hold Steady Ahead of Fed Meeting
**Hong Kong, September 20, 2023** – Asian stock markets remained largely unchanged on Wednesday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later in the day. Anticipation of the Fed’s move, widely expected to be a cut, deterred any major trading activity.
Regional trading volumes were muted, partly due to holidays in Hong Kong and South Korea. China’s markets, which resumed trading after a two-day break, also showed little movement. Sentiment towards China remained subdued following a string of weak economic indicators, suggesting persistent challenges for the country’s growth drivers.
Despite the cautious mood, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index was the top performer in Asia, rising 0.7%. The gain followed a stronger yen and investor anticipation of the Bank of Japan meeting later this week. While the BOJ is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, it is likely to signal a more hawkish stance and reiterate plans to raise rates in the coming months.
Australia’s ASX 200 traded flat, while Indian futures pointed towards a positive opening, with the Nifty 50 index close to a record high. India’s wholesale inflation came in slightly lower than expected in August, providing some positive news for the market.
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower interest rates, with traders divided on a 25 or 50 basis point cut. However, bets on a larger 50 bps cut have been growing in recent sessions. The Fed is also expected to signal the start of an easing cycle, which would be positive for risk-driven stock markets.
First Piper 