Asia-Pacific markets largely rose on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate at 5.25% to 5.5%, and shifted its “dot plot” to project only one rate cut this year.
This was down from the three cuts projected in its March meeting. However, the dot plot also indicated a more aggressive cutting path for 2025 — four rate cuts totaling a full percentage point are anticipated, up from three.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index fell 156.24 points, or 0.4%, to 38,720.47.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index recovered 174.79 points, or 1%, to 18,112.63, powered by gains in electric vehicle stocks despite the European Union slapping tariffs of up of 38% on Chinese EV makers.
EV company BYD was the top gainer on the HSI, surging over 6%, while counterparts Nio picked up 1.2%, and Li Auto saw its shares climb by 1.9%.
Australia got some of its energy back, after two straight days of losses.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 ditched 17.99 points, or 0.5%, to 3,526.13, hitting its lowest level in about two months.
In Korea, the Kospi index forged ahead 26.72 points, or 1%, to 2,754.89.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index leaped 263.08 points, or 1.2%, to 22,312.04.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index inched down 1.77 points, or 0.1%, to 3,307.44.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 rebounded 130.77 points, or 1.1%, to 11,872.65.
In Australia, the ASX 200 regained 39.22 points, or 0.4%, 7,749.73.
