.N ExxonXOM.N posted a record $59 billion adjusted profit, though CaterpillarCAT.N and McDonald'sMCD.N shares fell as the companies warned of inflation squeezing profit margins. By Tom Westbrook SINGAPORE, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Asia's stock markets steadied on Wednesday, with signs of a slowdown in U.S. wages bolstering hopes that the Federal Reserve could hint at an end to interest rate hikes at its meeting later in the day. The Fed will announce its rate decision at 1900 GMT, followed by a news conference with Chair Jerome Powell half an hour later.