GBP/USD traded thinly on Tuesday, but still inched back into the 1.3000 handle, chalking in a fresh 19-week high ahead of high-impact rate calls from both the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE).

U.S. equity futures edged cautiously higher Wednesday, while gold prices hit another all-time record, as investors braced for a crucial Federal Reserve rate decision, as well as commentary from Chairman Jerome Powell on the central bank's new economic forecasts, later in the session.

Asian shares are mixed ahead of a decision on interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve.