LONDON MARKET MIDDAY: Europe loses momentum but FTSE 100 outperforms

• The Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates steady during its most recent meeting, despite internal disagreement among officials. • Three regional Fed presidents broke from the majority by favoring an increase in the cost of borrowing to combat economic pressures.

• Savills India reported that office leasing across the country's top six cities reached a record 41.6 million sq. ft. in the first half of 2026, marking a 7% year-on-year increase. • Despite global macroeconomic uncertainties, vacancy rates declined to 13.2% from 14.7% YoY, while new office supply decreased by 5% to 23.7 million sq. ft.

• New Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh is facing immediate internal conflict after three policymakers dissented against the central bank's decision to keep interest rates unchanged. • This level of early opposition is historically rare, contrasting with the smoother transitions experienced by previous Fed leaders such as Janet Yellen and Jerome Powell.

• Eurozone borrowing costs have increased due to a combination of escalating tensions in the Middle East and expectations of a hawkish Federal Reserve. • The rise in yields reflects growing market volatility as investors react to geopolitical instability and the potential for prolonged high interest rates in the U.S.

• European markets opened higher on Wednesday, with the FTSE 100 receiving a boost from strong corporate earnings reports. • Investors are currently positioning themselves ahead of a critical week of monetary policy decisions from three major central banks.

• Federal Reserve Chair Warsh announced on Wednesday that the central bank will leave its key interest rate unchanged despite persistent inflation and rising energy prices linked to the Iran war. • Appointed by President Donald Trump, Warsh is implementing a strategy of providing fewer signals to financial markets regarding the Fed's future interest rate intentions.

• Indian stock indices, Nifty and Sensex, experienced fluctuations today, with sector-specific movements including a 1.68% rise in Nifty IT and a 0.83% drop in Nifty Realty. • Significant losses were recorded for individual stocks, with Syngene International and Thangamayil Jewellery both slumping over 9%.

• 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.

• 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 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.