The Shanghai Composite Index is expected to decline on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady but signaled rates could be higher by year-end. The index added 16.18 points or 0.40 percent to close at 4,108.08 on Wednesday, with gains in property stocks offset by weakness in financials. Wall Street tumbled following the Fed's projections, with the Dow dropping 507.12 points, the Nasdaq slumping 354.69 points, and the S&P 500 sinking 91.25 points. The Fed noted inflation remains elevated relative to its 2 percent goal, partly due to supply shocks in sectors including energy. U.S. retail sales rose more than expected in May, while West Texas Intermediate crude edged up 0.59 percent to $76.50 per barrel.