"Risk markets reacted positively to chairman Jerome Powell's press conference," ANZ Research said.
"Powell seemed content with the progression of the disinflationary process in the US and was sympathetic to the time lags in policy.
"The positive market reaction reflected relief from market participants that there wasn't a hawkish push-back on the recent loosening in financial conditions."
US stocks rose after the decision with the S and P 500 closing 1% higher.
Gold futures surged after the announcement, going from $1936 an ounce to as high as $1970/oz over the span of about 90 minutes.
Futures last traded at $1966.90/oz while spot gold was fixed at $1951.15/oz.
Elsewhere, oil lost more than 3% to $76.41 a barrel while base metals were weaker in London.
