Traders worldwide are focusing on the central bank gatherings, hoping they will clear up some uncertainty about monetary policy in two of the world’s biggest economies.Equity markets have been hit by volatility the past week after two Federal Reserve officials suggested US borrowing rates could rise in September, before another colleague on Monday urged caution ahead of any tightening.The lack of clear guidance has kept investors on edge, leading to selling. Sydney fell 0.2 percent and Singapore was off 0.4 percent, while Wellington and Manila each lost 0.3 percent.However, Hong Kong edged up 0.2 percent after losing almost four percent in the previous three days.Markets in Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei were closed for public holidays. "The markets are under pressure," James Audiss, Sydney-based senior wealth manager at Shaw and Partners, told Bloomberg News. "Volatility is here to stay going into the back-end of the year with central bank meetings and the US election coming up. "The uncertainty boosted the yen, which is considered a safe investment in times of turmoil.

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 15, 2016 03:11 UTC