Asian shares mixed after Fed rate announcement

HONG KONG: Asian markets were mixed on Thursday, with confidence following the US Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates at "exceptionally low levels" for at least two years offset by profit-taking.

The euro also strengthened on the US central bank move, despite Greece's ongoing struggle to agree a writedown on its huge debts with its creditors.

Hong Kong, which was returning after a three-day holiday for Lunar New Year, jumped one percent, Seoul was 0.13 percent higher, Tokyo fell 0.41 percent by the break and Singapore was flat.

Sydney, Shanghai and Taipei were closed for public holidays.

Markets have been on a generally upward arc since the beginning of the year as the US economy shows tentative signs of recovery while officials in Europe strive to solve their debt crisis. (AFP)