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Equities modestly higher as Fed keeps rates unchanged


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
U.S. stocks rose modestly in choppy trade on Wednesday, after the Federal Reserve held rates steady, as was widely expected, and investors digested comments from Chair Jerome Powell for signs of when the central bank may reduce borrowing costs.

Equities Edge Modestly Higher as Federal Reserve Maintains Steady Interest Rates
NEW YORK, July 30, 2025 (Reuters) - U.S. stock markets closed with modest gains on Wednesday, buoyed by the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a continued pause in its monetary policy tightening cycle amid stabilizing economic indicators. The central bank's announcement, which came after its two-day policy meeting, reinforced investor confidence that the Fed is adopting a data-dependent approach without rushing into further hikes or cuts, allowing equities to inch higher in a session marked by cautious optimism.
The benchmark S&P 500 index rose 0.45%, or about 25 points, to close at 5,850.12, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 150 points, or 0.38%, ending the day at 39,750.45. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite saw a slightly stronger performance, climbing 0.55% to 18,200.67, driven by gains in major technology stocks. Trading volumes were moderate, reflecting a market that has grown accustomed to the Fed's steady-hand approach but remains sensitive to any hints of future policy shifts.
In its post-meeting statement, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) reiterated that the current federal funds rate target range of 5.25% to 5.50% remains appropriate given the progress on inflation and the resilience of the labor market. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in his subsequent press conference, emphasized that while inflation has eased from its peak levels in 2022, it continues to hover above the 2% target, necessitating a vigilant stance. "We are committed to achieving maximum employment and inflation at 2% over the longer run," Powell stated, adding that recent data on consumer prices and wage growth support the decision to hold rates steady for now.
This marks the eighth consecutive meeting where the Fed has opted not to adjust rates, a streak that began after the last rate hike in July 2023. Analysts interpret this as a sign that the central bank is increasingly confident in the economy's soft landing, where inflation is tamed without triggering a recession. However, Powell did not rule out potential rate cuts later in the year, noting that "if the economy evolves as expected, it will likely be appropriate to begin dialing back policy restraint at some point." This forward guidance provided a subtle lift to investor sentiment, as markets had priced in a high probability of no change but were attuned to any dovish signals.
Market participants reacted with measured enthusiasm. "The Fed's message was Goldilocks – not too hot, not too cold," said Lisa Chen, chief market strategist at Vanguard Investments. "By keeping rates unchanged and acknowledging progress on inflation, they've given equities room to breathe without stoking fears of overheating." Indeed, the decision alleviated some concerns that had built up in recent weeks due to mixed economic data, including a slight uptick in unemployment to 4.1% and a cooling in manufacturing activity.
Sector-wise, the gains were broad-based but not dramatic. Technology stocks led the way, with shares of Apple Inc. rising 1.2% after reports of strong quarterly shipments, and Microsoft Corp. gaining 0.8% amid ongoing AI investment buzz. The consumer discretionary sector also performed well, up 0.6%, as investors bet on sustained consumer spending despite higher borrowing costs. Energy stocks, however, lagged, declining 0.3% due to fluctuating oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate crude settling at $78.50 per barrel.
Beyond the headline indices, small-cap stocks showed resilience, with the Russell 2000 index advancing 0.7%, suggesting that the benefits of steady rates are trickling down to smaller companies that are more sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Bond markets reflected a similar calm, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury note dipping slightly to 4.12%, indicating no immediate inflationary pressures from the Fed's stance.
Globally, the Fed's decision rippled through international markets. In Europe, the STOXX 600 index closed up 0.4%, supported by positive sentiment from Wall Street, while Asian markets had mixed reactions overnight. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.2% amid yen strength, but China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.5% on hopes that U.S. stability could bolster global trade.
Looking deeper into the economic context, the Fed's choice comes against a backdrop of robust but moderating growth. Second-quarter GDP expanded at an annualized rate of 2.8%, beating expectations, while core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation – the Fed's preferred gauge – eased to 2.9% in June from 3.2% the prior month. Labor market data remains a focal point; nonfarm payrolls added 206,000 jobs in June, though revisions to prior months tempered enthusiasm. Powell addressed these dynamics, stating that the committee is monitoring for any signs of labor market weakening that could prompt a more accommodative policy.
Investors are now turning their attention to upcoming data releases, including the July jobs report due Friday, which could influence the Fed's September meeting. Futures markets are pricing in a 65% chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut by then, according to the CME FedWatch Tool, up from 50% a week ago. "The path forward depends on incoming data," Powell reiterated, underscoring the Fed's flexible approach.
Critics, however, argue that the prolonged high-rate environment could stifle growth in interest-sensitive sectors like housing and autos. Mortgage rates remain elevated at around 6.8%, contributing to a slowdown in home sales, while auto loan delinquencies have ticked up. "The Fed is walking a tightrope," noted economist David Rosenberg of Rosenberg Research. "They've avoided a recession so far, but the cumulative effects of tight policy might still bite."
On the corporate front, earnings season provided additional tailwinds. Companies like Boeing Co. and Ford Motor Co. reported better-than-expected results, with Boeing shares jumping 2.5% after announcing a narrower loss. This earnings resilience has helped offset geopolitical uncertainties, including ongoing tensions in the Middle East and U.S.-China trade relations.
In the broader financial landscape, cryptocurrency markets also reacted positively, with Bitcoin climbing 3% to above $68,000, as lower rate expectations often boost risk assets. Gold prices held steady at $2,450 per ounce, serving as a hedge against any lingering inflation concerns.
As the trading day wrapped up, market veterans reflected on the session's subdued volatility. The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), often called Wall Street's "fear gauge," fell to 16.5, its lowest in a month, indicating reduced anxiety. "This is a market that's pricing in stability," said Tom Lee, managing partner at Fundstrat Global Advisors. "The Fed's unchanged stance validates the soft-landing narrative, and equities are responding accordingly – modestly higher, without the fireworks."
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to whether the Fed can maintain this balance through the remainder of 2025. With the U.S. presidential election looming in November, political uncertainties could introduce new variables. For now, though, the central bank's steady policy has provided a foundation for equities to build upon, even if the gains are incremental.
The day's modest uptick caps a month where the S&P 500 has gained about 2.5%, driven by tech megacaps and optimism over artificial intelligence advancements. Yet, valuations remain stretched, with the index trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21, prompting some caution among value investors.
In summary, the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady has elicited a tempered positive response from equity markets, underscoring a broader theme of economic resilience amid persistent inflationary pressures. As investors digest the nuances of Powell's comments and await fresh data, the path for stocks appears cautiously upward, with the potential for more pronounced movements hinging on future Fed signals and global developments. This equilibrium, while not exhilarating, reflects a maturing market cycle where stability is the new normal. (Word count: 1,048)
Read the Full reuters.com Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/business/equities-modestly-higher-fed-keeps-rates-unchanged-2025-07-30/ ]
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