Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Holds Rates, Middle East Tensions Lift Oil

Asian markets were mixed in early Thursday trading as investors reacted to the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged.

The Fed's decision pushed long-term Treasury yields higher, with the 30-year yield jumping 10 basis points to above 5.2%, its highest level since 2007.

Markets in Japan were down, with the Nikkei 225 falling 0.25% and the broader Topix declining 0.59%. In contrast, South Korea's Kospi gained 0.89% at the open following a sharp decline in the previous session.

The renewed tensions in the Middle East also contributed to higher oil prices as President Donald Trump threatened a strong response against Iran following a reported missile attack by Iran's Revolutionary Guard on U.S. forces in the region.