Asia opens mixed ahead of Fed's decisions

Asian stock indices opened the third session of the week mixed with China, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and South Korea higher, while Japan and New Zealand lost ground, ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy decisions today. 

Earlier Australian data showed consumer prices fell 1.9% q/q in the second quarter, besting estimates of a 2% drop, while core prices fell 0.1%. 

Consumer prices fell 0.3% y/y, barely besting estimates of a 0.4% drop, while core prices rose 1.2%. 

The Federal Open Market Committee is wrapping up its policy meeting today, expected to maintain rates at near zero to support borrowing through December. 

The Fed extended duration of loan support from September to December to bolster the economy during the pandemic, noting the move has already helped the labor sector, households, and companies considerably. 

Japan's TOPEX fell 0.86% while Nikkei 225 fell 0.79% to 22,479. 

China's CSI 300 rose 1.52%, while Shanghai climbed 1.15% to 3,265. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng inched up 0.11% while South Korea's KOSPI rose 0.28% to 2,263. 

New Zealand's NZX 50 rose 0.28% to 11,611, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 inched down 0.22% to 6,007.