SINGAPORE, March 15 — Most South-east Asian stocks fell today with markets pricing in an immediate rate hike, even as traders awaited the US Federal Reserve’s view on the pace of interest rate increases after its policy meet ends later in the day.

The Fed will announce its decision at 1800 GMT in Washington, followed by Chair Janet Yellen’s news conference half an hour later.

Investors are waiting for the final outcome of the Fed meeting, said Joseph Roxas, president of Manila-based Eagle Equities Inc.

Indonesian shares ended flat with Bank Rakyat Indonesia gaining 0.8 per cent while Bank Negara Indonesia rose 0.4 per cent, offsetting losses in utilities.

Indonesia’s central bank is expected to keep its benchmark rate unchanged in its meeting tomorrow, even if the Fed raises rates, a Reuters poll shows.

"Bank Indonesia now seems to be more focused on trying to protect the currency in the event of market volatility. In fact, Indonesia is expected to witness further capital outflows post the Fed rate hike,” said Kunal Kumar Kundu, economist at Societe Generale. 

The index of the country’s 45 most liquid stocks was down 0.2 per cent.

Singapore stocks were down 0.2 per cent as Jardine Matheson lost 1.1 per cent and DBS Group shed 0.3 per cent.   

Vietnam lost 0.2 per cent with the industrial sector leading the decline as Vietjet Aviation JSC lost 6.2 per cent, while Malaysia shed 0.3 per cent, snapping a three-day gaining streak.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.2 per cent. — Reuters