Dollar holds firm ahead of Fed meeting

TOKYO: The dollar held steady in Asia on Wednesday as investors await the outcome of a US Federal Reserve meeting later in the day.

The greenback fetched 107.23 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade, up from 107.15 yen in New York on Tuesday.

The euro bought $1.2951 and 138.89 yen against $1.2957 and 138.85 yen.

Thursday´s too-close-to-call vote on independence for Scotland was playing on the pound, which fetched $1.6284 against $1.6268 in US trade. The latest polls show a narrow lead for the "No" camp, but the pro-independence side has gained ground in recent weeks, while there are fears that a break-up of the United Kingdom will hammer its economy. While the US Federal Reserve prepares to wrap up a two-day policy meeting, there is caution about the prospects of it tightening monetary policy.

The policy committee will release its statement around 1800 GMT Wednesday, followed by a news conference with bank chief Janet Yellen.

Dealers are looking for any change in the Fed´s statement, which could give a clue about when it will start raising rates.