Asian shares open lower as Feds kept rates unchanged

Asian share markets opened lower on Thursday as US Federal Reserve kept federal rates unchanged.

In an attempt to closely monitor inflation indicators and global economic and financial developments the US Federal Reserve kept the federal funds rate unchanged.

The Hang Seng index was down 54.27 points or 0.24%. 

Nikkei also edged lower 0.69% at 16,550.26 points at 800 hours.

SGX Nifty edged up marginally 0.13% and was trading at 8,619.50 points in early trade session on Thursday.

US crude futures were down more than 2% bringing it to a three-month low on Wednesday after the US government reported surprise builds in crude and gasoline inventories, a Reuters story reported.

Benchmark Brent crude oil was up 0.12% trading at $43.59 per barrel.

(With inputs from IANS)