Group 1: Market Performance - Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose nearly 0.6% at the open to a record high, driven by gains in the real estate and technology sectors [1] - Key contributors to the Nikkei's rise included Resonac Holdings, which jumped 10%, Screen Holdings, which added 4.5%, and Tokyo Electron, which gained 3.9% [1] Group 2: Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark rate, framing it as a "risk management cut," with indications of two more rate cuts by the year's end and additional cuts in 2026 and 2027 [2] - South Korea's Kospi increased by 0.43%, while Australia's ASX/S&P 200 decreased by 0.57% [2] Group 3: Bank of Japan Policy Outlook - The Bank of Japan is expected to keep policy rates steady in its upcoming two-day policy meeting, with a potential 25 basis point hike anticipated later this year [3] - Economists believe that the second quarter GDP print, which outperformed expectations, indicates economic resilience [4]
Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed after Fed cut rates as expected
CNBC·2025-09-18 00:13