Equities wavered in Asia on Thursday after the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates but left investors wondering how many more cuts were in the pipeline despite boss Jerome Powell warning about the struggling jobs market.

After months of speculation fuelled by a string of weak labour statistics, the US central bank said it would lower borrowing costs 25 basis points, its first reduction since December.

The 11-1 decision to cut — US President Donald Trump’s appointee Stephen Miran voted for a 50-point cut — came even as inflation continues to run well above policymakers’ two percent target, but analysts said the main focus was on jobs.

In its post-meeting statement, the Fed said “downside risks to employment have risen” and inflation has picked up and “remains somewhat elevated”.

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