Asian shares managed a semblance of calm on Thursday as the U.S. Federal Reserve signalled it was in no rush to taper stimulus, though the mood was fragile as investors waited to see if Beijing could stem the recent bloodletting in Chinese shares.
"The message is that profit has not become a dirty word in the Chinese system of 'Socialism with Chinese characteristics', only in certain sectors," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at NAB. S&P 500 futures eased 0.2per cent, as did EUROSTOXX 50 futures. Nasdaq futures dipped 0.3per cent perhaps weighed by a retreat in Facebook stock.
"The difference in tone between the statement and press conference may simply reflect Powell being on the dovish side of the Committee," said JPMorgan economist Michael Feroli.