U.S. stock indices closed mixed on Thursday after Fed policymakers voted 9-1 to keep interest rates unchanged due to instability in overseas economies. Low inflation was also a source of concerns. "And overall the labor market conditions have continued to improve. Inflation, however, has continued to run below our longer-run objective. Partly reflecting declines in energy and import prices," Fed Chair Janet Yellen said.

It's still uncertain when the first rate hike in nearly a decade will be conducted. Yellen reiterated that markets should pay less attention to the timing of the first interest rate hike and more attention to the expected pattern of rates.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 65.21 points, or 0.39%, to 16,674.74. The S&P 500 lost 5.11 points, or 0.26%, to 1,990.20. The Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 4.71 points, or 0.10%, to 4,893.95.

This morning in Asia Hong Kong Hang Seng rose 0.29%, or 63.90 points, to 21,918.53. China Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.32%, or 9.73 point, to 3,095.79. The Nikkei lost 1.46%, or 269.68 points, to 18,162.59.

Asian stock indices traded mixed amid the Fed's decision.

Japanese stocks declined amid absence of a rate hike in the U.S. and a stronger yen.

Chinese stocks were supported by data from the National Bureau of Statistics, which showed average new home prices in China rose for the fourth straight month in August.