Fed stays pat, sending most Asian markets higher

MOST key Asian equity markets continued to build on Wednesday's gains after the US Federal Reserve signalled that interest rates are likely to remain unchanged in the near future, reaffirming its dovish stance.

Singapore's Straits Times Index (STI) saw gains in most sectors except for real estate investment trusts (Reits). The blue-chip index advanced 21.77 points or 0.7 per cent to close at 3,194.67.

Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific, benchmark indices in Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan posted gains.