The Fed’s rate cut reduces the target range for the federal funds rate, or the rate at which banks lend each other money overnight, to 4.75% to 5%. And Fed officials expect an additional 50 basis points of cuts this year, according to newly released projections.

U.S. stock markets ended nearly flat after hitting record highs on Tuesday and the dollar stood firm as strong economic data allayed slowdown fears and investors braced for the Federal Reserve's expected move to cut interest rates for the first time in more than four years.

U.S. equity futures edged higher Wednesday, while moves in the dollar and the Treasury bond market reflected indecision amongst global investors as to how the Federal Reserve is likely to execute its first rate cut in more than four years later today.