Asia markets rise, Korea leads ahead of fed decision

March 18, 2026 (MLN): Asian markets advanced on Wednesday, with South Korea taking the lead as investors digested fresh economic data from Japan and remained cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision.

The benchmark KOSPI surged more than 3%, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ climbed 1.18%, showing strong buying interest in regional equities.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 jumped 1.91%, and the broader TOPIX rose 0.95% after export data exceeded expectations, according to CNBC.

The country’s exports grew 4.2% year-on-year in February, surpassing forecasts of a 1.6% increase, although growth slowed from the previous month’s sharp 16.8% rise.

Elsewhere, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.25%. In Greater China, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 0.3%, while mainland China’s CSI 300 inched 0.13% higher.

Market sentiment remained cautious as investors awaited the outcome of the Federal Reserve meeting.

The central bank is widely expected to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged within the 3.5%–3.75% range, as policymakers assess inflation trends and global uncertainties.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to weigh on investor confidence.

Escalating conflict involving Iran has raised concerns over energy supply disruptions following a series of attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates.

Incidents included a drone strike on a major gas facility, a fire at the Fujairah oil hub, and damage to a tanker near the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Oil markets reacted modestly, with U.S. crude prices ticking up 0.06% to $96.27 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. equity futures traded largely flat ahead of the Fed announcement.

Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.07%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures edged lower by 0.07% and 0.02%, respectively.

Overnight on Wall Street, equities closed modestly higher, supported by momentum from the previous session.

The S&P 500 rose 0.25% to 6,716.09, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.47% to settle at 22,479.53. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, closing at 46,993.26.

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