Wednesday 17th September 2025: Asian Markets Slip as Investors Await Fed Rate Decision

Global Markets:

•  Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down 0.14%, Shanghai Composite up 0.32%, Hang Seng up 1.75% ASX down 0.6%
• Commodities : Gold at $3,715.20 (-0.04%), Silver at $42.090 (-1.28%), Brent Oil at $65.53 (-0.15%), WTI Oil at $64.54 (-0.15%)
• Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.026, UK 10-year yield at 4.6380, Germany 10-year yield at 2.6904

News & Data:

• (CAD) CPI m/m -0.1%  to 0.0% expected
• (USD) Core Retail Sales m/m 0.7%  to 0.4% expected
• (USD) Core Retail Sales m/m 0.6%  to 0.2% expected

Markets Update:

Asian markets traded mostly lower on Wednesday, weighed down by caution ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy announcement later in the day. While a quarter-point rate cut is widely expected, many fear it won’t be enough to counter recent weak jobs data and persistent inflation. Traders are holding back from major moves, waiting for the Fed’s statement and updated projections for clues on the path ahead. Markets are also pricing in the possibility of further cuts in October and December.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.69 percent to 8,816.10, reversing Tuesday’s gains. Mining and financial stocks dragged the index lower, with BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue all falling, while BHP also announced job cuts and a mine suspension. Technology and energy stocks provided some support, with Block, WiseTech, and Xero posting gains alongside Woodside and Beach Energy.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 managed modest gains, up 0.21 percent at 44,995.79, lifted by strong tech names like Tokyo Electron, which surged more than 6 percent. However, weakness in automakers, banks, and exporters limited the upside.Elsewhere, markets in South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore edged lower, while Hong Kong advanced 1.2 percent.

Globally, Wall Street finished slightly down overnight after hitting record intraday highs, while Europe also closed weaker. Oil prices rose nearly 2 percent amid geopolitical tensions and Fed uncertainty.

Upcoming Events: 

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