Asian stocks mark 2008-highs after Fed’s meeting

Asian shares jumped to 2008-highs on Thursday, after the Federal Reserve stated that interest rates will remain at current levels for an extended period of time as inflation softens.

These statements buoyed risk appetite, as dollar continued to fall to new 13-month lows against major currencies.. while noting that Fed's decision to hold interest rates served to tighten the policy gulf between itself and other global central banks.

Japan shares increased today, as TOPIX gained 0.31% or 3.89 points to 1,252.26, while Nikkei 225 advanced 0.11% or 21.16 points to 20,071.32.

Chinese CSI 300 declined 0.56% or 20.93 points to 3,684.46, while Shanghai dropped 0.40% or 12.95 points to 3,234.72.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 0.20% or 54.55 points to 26,995.57, while South Korea’s KOSPI increased 0.33% or 7.94 points to 2,442.45.

New Zealand’s NZX 50 advanced 0.19% or 14.87 points to 7,725.46, and finally Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.29% or 16.88 points to 5,793.50.