Asia Higher as U.S. Keeps Rates Steady

Asia-Pacific markets were mostly higher after the U.S. Federal Reserve expectedly kept rates unchanged.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 regained 148.97 points, or 0.4%, to 36,928.63.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng gained 84.04 points, or 0.4%, to 22,775.92.The Federal Open Market Committee held its benchmark overnight borrowing rate in a range between 4.25% to 4.5%, where it has been since December. The decision was largely expected.Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned in his press conference that if the significant tariff hikes already announced remain at current levels, they could lead to a slowdown in economic growth and an uptick in long-term inflation.In other markets, In China, the CSI 300 added 21.27 points, or 0.6%, to 3,852.90. In Korea, the Kospi index poked up 5.68 points, or 0.2%, to 2,579.48In Singapore, the Straits Times Index sagged 17.15 points, or 0.4%, to 3,848.22.In Taiwan, the Taiex Index dipped 3.09 points to 20,543.46.In New Zealand, the NZX 50 subtracted 29.85 points, or 0.2%, to 12,467.04.In Australia, the ASX 200 gained 13.33 points, or 0.2%, to 8,191.65