Global Stocks: U.S. stock indices gained after Fed signaled rate hike in December was possible

U.S. stock indices climbed on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve left its monetary policy unchanged, but gave a hint that a rate increase in December is possible.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 198.09, or 1.1%, to 17,779.52. The S&P 500 gained 24.46 points, or 1.2%, to 2,090.35 (its financial sector rose 2.4%). The Nasdaq Composite Index added 65.55, or 1.3%, to 5,095.69.

Fed's statement did not mention its concern seen in September that market turbulence and worldwide events might hold back economic activity in the U.S. This does not guarantee a rate hike in the current year, but it signals that obstacles mentioned in September decreased.

Apple reported that it almost doubled its earnings in China thus dismissing concerns over its business in the world's second-biggest economy.

This morning in Asia Hong Kong Hang Seng fell 0.38%, or 87.43, to 22,869.14. China Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.12%, or 4.18, to 3.379.38. The Nikkei lost 0.15%, or 27.83, to 18,875.19.

Asian indices are trading mixed despite strong gains in U.S. equities.

Chinese stocks declined after better-than-expected industrial production data lowered chances for easing at Bank of Japan Friday meeting.