Asian markets

Yellen announced on 19 December that the current job market in the US was the strongest in nearly a decade.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 climbed as the country managed to retain its AAA credit rating, despite a budget deficit.

In China, policymakers are trying to curb capital outflows after the Fed decision.

The Fed move marks the first rate increase in 2016 and the second in a decade.

Markets have already factored in a Fed rate increase, say analysts.

Non-Opec nations have agreed to cut output by 558,000 barrels a day.

China's positive producer price and consumer price data also boost markets.

US services sector activity hitting a one-year high in November also helped boost investor confidence.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation soon after results indicated his defeat.

The bearish trend in the stock markets also follows a decline in oil prices.

On Wednesday, Opec agreed to cut oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day.

Yellen said Donald Trump's victory in the American presidential election had not changed the Fed's plans on interest rates.

Markets are said to be awaiting US Fed Janet Yellen's congressional testimony, which is due later in the day.

Japan said its third-quarter GDP had grown 2.2% on-year in the three months ended September.

Japan's Nikkei 225 index rises 0.2% to 17,375.54 points.

Japan's Nikkei 225 benchmark advances 5.7% to 17,178.87 points in early trading.

Oil traders warn that a win for Trump would be bad for world trade.

Investors are said to fear that a win for Trump could put at risk global trade and growth.

Nikkei 225 index retreats 1.8% to 17,123.23 points at mid-day.

The UK economy grew by 0.5% over the third quarter of 2016, in the three months after the EU referendum.

Opec aims for a reduction of about 700,000 barrels per day to stablise oil prices.

This comes after a video containing Trump's lewd and derogatory remarks about women went viral on 7 October.

Rouge trade removed from charts, but pound stays at fresh 31-year lows.

Japan's Nikkei 225 benchmark rises 0.6% to 16,917.01 points.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 benchmark advances 0.6% to 16,839.59 points.

Tokyo's Nikkei benchmark index advances 0.7% to 16,709.06 points.

Japan's Nikkei share average advances 0.9% to 16,598.67 points.

The bank's shares touched a record low overnight amid news that 10 hedge funds had cut their exposure to it.

Indian markets declined amid surgical strikes by the Indian forces on Pakistan-administered Kashmir region.

The shares of Germany's largest lender, Deutsche Bank, have touched a record low overnight.