Morning Report 12 Dec 2019 - Stocks edge higher after Fed keeps rates on hold

The US Federal Reserve left the federal funds rate at a range of 1.50-1.75% as expected* US sharemarkets were firmer on Wednesday. There were no surprises from the Federal Reserve decision. Investors awaited news on whether the US would go ahead with imposing tariffs on $160 billion on Chinese imports from December 15. Investors also awaited Thursday's UK election. With an hour of trade to go, the Dow Jones index was up by 6 points or 0.1%. The S&P500 index rose by 0.3% and the Nasdaq rose by 33 points or 0.4
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