Asian stocks trade mixed after Fed holds rates; Kospi rallies 4%, Shenzhen slips 300 points - The Times of India

• Benzinga has released its "Stock Whisper" Index, identifying five specific stocks that are currently seeing a surge in secret investor interest. • The index focuses on assets that are being closely monitored by traders but have not yet become mainstream talking points in the market.

• The Federal Reserve's FOMC decided in a 9-3 vote on Wednesday to keep interest rates steady between 3.5% and 3.75% for the fifth consecutive time. • The decision comes as rising tensions in Iran threaten to trigger energy price shocks, which could increase inflationary pressures on the economy.

• The Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged, despite three members voting in favor of an increase. • New Fed Chairman Kevin M. Warsh vowed to combat persistent inflation, though he did not specify if future rate hikes would be the primary tool.

• South Korea's KOSPI Index suffered a severe crash, wiping out ₩2.5 quadrillion in market value over a 40-day period. • The index plummeted more than 10% in its most recent session, triggering the ninth circuit breaker of 2026 to halt trading.

• Asian stock markets showed mixed performance as investors processed the latest Federal Reserve decision and Samsung's financial results. • South Korea's KOSPI rebounded, while other regional indices declined, including China's Shanghai Composite (-0.4%), the CSI300 (-1%), and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 (-0.4%).

• South Korea's Kospi stock index plummeted more than 8% on Wednesday, leading a broader decline across most Asian markets. • The sell-off was primarily driven by a prolonged slump in chipmaking shares as investors grew skeptical about the returns on massive artificial intelligence investments.

• South Korea is implementing additional measures to stabilize its stock market and restrict retail investor access to leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs). • The decision follows a severe market rout that resulted in the loss of billions of dollars in investor holdings.

• The Indian stock market saw a significant surge on July 29, 2026, with the Sensex climbing 888 points to close at 77,654 and the Nifty ending at 24,250. • Major gainers driving the rally included top companies such as Hindustan Unilever and Infosys.

• Markets are anticipating an upcoming interest rate decision from the Federal Reserve, which aims to curb inflation while balancing risks to the broader economy and employment. • BofA Securities analysts suggest the July decision may be heavily influenced by Chair Kevin Warsh, a Donald Trump appointee attending only his second meeting.

• Financial markets are bracing for an upcoming US Federal Reserve policy decision, with a specific focus on the inflation messaging from Kevin Warsh. • Analysts warn that the primary risk is not the interest rate decision itself, but the potential for a "hawkish" tone that exceeds current market expectations.

• The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain current interest rates during its upcoming meeting, though two members may dissent by voting for a rate hike. • Market focus is centered on the number of dissenters, as the official statement and Chair Warsh are not expected to provide significant new policy signals.