Asia-Pacific markets rose on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve held the Federal Funds rate at 5.25% to 5.5%, and shifted its "dot plot" to project only one rate cut this year.

This was down from the three cuts projected in its March meeting. However, the dot plot also indicated a more aggressive cutting path for 2025 — four rate cuts totaling a full percentage point are anticipated, up from three.

In Asia-Pacific, South Korea's Kospi led gains, popping 1.39% and on pace for a third day of gains, while the small cap Kosdaq was up 0.6%.

Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.56%, while the broad based Topix was marginally lower.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.8%, rebounding from two days of losses.

Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures were at 18,035, higher than the previous close of 17,937.84.

Source : CNBC