Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
Asian markets were largely weaker on Wednesday, with traders displaying signs of nervousness ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement. Markets have pushed back expectations for the first rate hike to early 2016 after a recent bout of market volatility, and as economic indicators look increasingly unimpressive.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 0.37% to 18,846.95 points within the first few hours of trade on Wednesday; however, Tokyo's broader Topix gauge slipped 0.06% to 1,542.13 points.
Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index shed 0.52% to trade at 23,019.28 points shortly after the opening bell, and mainland China's benchmark Shanghai Composite slid 0.44% to 3,419.38 points at the same time.
Korea's benchmark Kospi index fell 0.50% to 2,034.49 points this morning in Seoul.
The benchmark Australian S&P/ASX 200 index traded little down at 5,343.60 points in Sydney, with several big losses on the index.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index crept up 0.07% to 6,005.16 points this afternoon in Wellington.
