So far, the Federal Reserve has avoided commenting on the increasingly uncertain outlook, but investors are waiting to see whether it changes its projections on Wednesday.

Asian shares were mixed Wednesday ahead of a decision on interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve. U.S. futures edged higher while oil prices declined. Japan reported that it logged a trade surplus in February,

Policymakers have reduced the benchmark rate 100 basis points since the cutting cycle began in September, but chose to pause cuts in January. The market expects that pause to continue at the March meeting, which ends today (March 19). Even so, investors are eagerly awaiting commentary.