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As widely expected, the Federal Reserve chose to raise rates for the third time this year on Wednesday while sticking to its projection for three rate increases next year.
The Fed left its rate outlook for the coming years unchanged.
In stocks, Asian stocks edged higher on Thursday after the Fed's decision.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.45 percent.
In the Middle East, corporate news pulled down stock markets in Saudi Arabia and Dubai on Wednesday, while Abu Dhabi was supported by a strong new listing.
The Dubai index dropped 1.4 percent as Emaar Properties sank 6.2 percent to its lowest close since June, in its heaviest trade since June.
Neighbouring Abu Dhabi edged up 0.1 percent with sentiment supported by a firm debut by the fuel distribution unit of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co after the market's first initial public offer in six years.
In Saudi Arabia, the index fell 0.4 percent as Saudi Electricity plunged 9.9 percent in its heaviest trade since June 2016.
Egypt's index gained 0.4 percent.
In commodities, oil markets rose on Thursday, lifted by a fourth straight weekly fall in U.S. crude inventories, though climbing output capped prices well below the 2015 highs reached earlier this week.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $56.77 a barrel at 00344 GMT, up 17 cents, or 0.3 percent, from their last settlement.
Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $62.81 a barrel, up 37 cents, or 0.6 percent from their last close.
In currencies, the dollar remained on the defensive on Thursday, having tumbled after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates as expected, but left its rate outlook for the coming years unchanged.
The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, eased 0.1 percent to 93.372 after falling 0.7 percent on Wednesday.
Gold inched up in early trade on Thursday.
Spot gold was up 0.15 percent at $1,257.11 an ounce as of 0123 GMT, after rising nearly 1 percent in the previous session.
For access to market moving insight, subscribe to the Trading Middle East newsletter by clicking here© ZAWYA 2017
The Fed left its rate outlook for the coming years unchanged.
In stocks, Asian stocks edged higher on Thursday after the Fed's decision.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.45 percent.
In the Middle East, corporate news pulled down stock markets in Saudi Arabia and Dubai on Wednesday, while Abu Dhabi was supported by a strong new listing.
The Dubai index dropped 1.4 percent as Emaar Properties sank 6.2 percent to its lowest close since June, in its heaviest trade since June.
Neighbouring Abu Dhabi edged up 0.1 percent with sentiment supported by a firm debut by the fuel distribution unit of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co after the market's first initial public offer in six years.
In Saudi Arabia, the index fell 0.4 percent as Saudi Electricity plunged 9.9 percent in its heaviest trade since June 2016.
Egypt's index gained 0.4 percent.
In commodities, oil markets rose on Thursday, lifted by a fourth straight weekly fall in U.S. crude inventories, though climbing output capped prices well below the 2015 highs reached earlier this week.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $56.77 a barrel at 00344 GMT, up 17 cents, or 0.3 percent, from their last settlement.
Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $62.81 a barrel, up 37 cents, or 0.6 percent from their last close.
In currencies, the dollar remained on the defensive on Thursday, having tumbled after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates as expected, but left its rate outlook for the coming years unchanged.
The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, eased 0.1 percent to 93.372 after falling 0.7 percent on Wednesday.
Gold inched up in early trade on Thursday.
Spot gold was up 0.15 percent at $1,257.11 an ounce as of 0123 GMT, after rising nearly 1 percent in the previous session.
For access to market moving insight, subscribe to the Trading Middle East newsletter by clicking here© ZAWYA 2017
