Nasdaq rallies 2%, fueled by gains in Microsoft and semiconductor stocks: Live updates

• European stock markets experienced an upward trend as strong corporate earnings reports helped counteract investor anxiety. • The positive momentum in equities served as a buffer against fears that the U.S. Federal Reserve may implement further interest rate hikes.

• European stock markets opened mixed on Thursday as investors reacted to a "hawkish hold" from the U.S. Federal Reserve and a high volume of corporate earnings reports. • The FTSE 100 index showed early strength, rising 38.12 points (0.5%) as traders balanced central bank signals with company performance.

• The 30-year long bond yield has surged to its highest level in 19 years, according to analyst Mike Shedlock. • Shedlock suggests this spike serves as a market signal to Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh regarding recent monetary policy decisions.

• The United States has launched new military strikes against Iran, contributing to an escalation of fighting across the Middle East. • Oil prices are hovering around $91 per barrel as markets react to the increased geopolitical instability and potential supply disruptions.

• US stock futures are trending upward, with the Dow rising over 150 points, the S&P 500 gaining 0.35%, and the Nasdaq jumping 0.61%. • A rally in Microsoft shares is currently offsetting investor anxiety regarding the Federal Reserve's next moves.

• The Federal Reserve concluded its latest meeting with a decision that signals a potential interest rate hike is on the horizon. • This shift comes as the committee prioritizes combating persistent inflation, which remains a primary concern for policymakers.

• The Federal Reserve decided to keep its key interest rate unchanged during its meeting on July 29. • The decision was not unanimous, as three officials dissented and advocated for a rate hike due to ongoing inflation concerns.

• The Federal Reserve maintained its key interest rate at the July policy meeting, easing Wall Street's concerns regarding a potential rate hike. • Official Warsh signaled a strategic shift away from "forward guidance" and "data dependency," advocating for a more forward-looking approach rather than relying on lagging economic data.

• Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin M. Warsh announced that the central bank will hold interest rates steady at a range of 3.5 to 3.75 percent. • While Warsh has designated taming inflation as his top priority, he has faced criticism and market backlash for his reluctance to implement higher borrowing costs.

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged over 1,100 points on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve maintained a hawkish stance on interest rates. • Investors reacted negatively to the FOMC's commentary, which pushed yields higher and created volatility for highly valued technology stocks and energy prices.

• The Federal Reserve decided to hold interest rates steady during its most recent meeting, though officials remain divided on the best strategy to combat inflation. • Fed officials emphasized that the decision was not "inertial," asserting that they are actively discussing policy and strategy to stabilize the economy.