Regional Markets Mixed Ahead of US FOMC Meeting Sentiment

March 18, 2026

Global Markets

Reuters

Southeast Asian stock markets showed mixed performance today, with Singapore's Straits Times Index gaining 0.2% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 0.5%. Investors generally remained cautious ahead of the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.

Southeast Asian regional stock markets displayed mixed performance on Wednesday, as investors adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. Singapore's Straits Times Index (STI) gained 0.2% to 3,250 points, supported by banking and REITs counters. However, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index (HSI) fell 0.5% to 16,500 points, led by declines in technology and property stocks. US equity futures also edged lower during Asian trading hours, reflecting market anxieties over the Federal Reserve's future interest rate path. Analysts noted that global economic data and geopolitical tensions also continue to influence regional market sentiment. Volatility is expected to pick up after the FOMC outcome.

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