Global shares showed varied results on Wednesday as investors anticipated the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Oil prices fluctuated due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The expectation was that the Federal Reserve would hold its key interest rate steady. The U.S. central bank has been cautious about lowering interest rates, awaiting the assessment of tariffs and inflation's impact.
U.S. benchmark crude oil decreased to $72.43 per barrel, while Brent crude fell to $75.59 per barrel. The decline followed a price surge the previous day, fueled by the conflict between Israel and Iran.
In Europe, Germany's DAX increased by 0.1%, and Britain's FTSE 100 added 0.2%. The CAC 40 in Paris also gained 0.2%.
In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.9%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng decreased by 1.1%. The Shanghai Composite Index added less than 0.1%.
The U.S. dollar weakened against the Japanese yen, trading at 144.97 yen. The euro slightly increased to $1.1506.
U.S. stocks declined on Tuesday due to higher oil prices and weaker-than-expected retail sales. The S&P 500 fell 0.8%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.7%.