On Thursday (17 September, 9:25 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), major indices in the Asia-Pacific showed a mixed performance on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve implemented its first interest rate increase since 2023. The move has prompted investors to reassess the outlook for monetary conditions and upcoming economic indicators.
The Fed lifted its benchmark lending rate by 0.25 percentage points, raising the target range to 3.75%-4%. Chair Kevin Warsh indicated that inflation remains problematic and signaled that additional tightening is possible before the end of the year.
Market attention is now shifting to imminent economic data releases for further insight into the health of the U.S. economy. Initial jobless claims figures are scheduled for release at 8:30 AM ET, while data on August housing starts will provide an update on the impact of higher interest rates on the residential construction sector.
Crude prices retreated as the Trump administration attempted to calm markets by stating that Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, which had recently suffered damage, is expected to resume service within days. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported that Iran intends to continue its current stance in the ongoing regional conflict, fighting on until the last drop of blood.
Japan’s NIKKEI climbed by 0.08% to 63,973.67. South Korea’s KOSPI surged 0.17% to 6,729.19, and Australia’s ASX 200 increased by 0.18% to 8,712.50.
As for stocks in China, Shanghai’s SSEC declined by 0.49% to 3,872.61. Shenzhen’s SZI dipped by 0.11% to 13,440.09, and Hong Kong’s HSI fell by 1.22% to 24,412.61.
The U.S. stock markets edged down on Wednesday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped by 1.21% to 51,461.90. NASDAQ slid by 0.01% to 25,978.42, and S&P 500 contracted by 0.45% to 7,551.81. VIX advanced by 2.97% to 17.71.
As for commodities, oil prices settled lower on Wednesday as Saudi Arabia reportedly made more crude shipments available via Oman, easing worries about supply interruptions, while U.S. oil stockpiles decreased by less than anticipated. Brent crude futures ended the session down $2.92, or 2.7%, at $105.83 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures lost $3.40, or 3.2%, closing at $102.43 per barrel.
This morning, Brent futures shrank 3 cents, or 0.03%, to $105.80 per barrel, and WTI futures decreased 11 cents, or 0.11%, to $102.32 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures slumped by 1.43% to $4,324.90 per Troy ounce.
