On Wednesday, July 31, the U.S. stock markets closed higher, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted their biggest gains since February 22. Chip stocks rallied, and the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, hinting at possible easing in September. In economic data, U.S. pending home sales rose 4.8% in June after a 1.9% decline, while private businesses added 122,000 jobs in July, down from 155,000 in June. Seven of the 11 S&P 500 sectors advanced, led by technology and consumer discretionary stocks, while healthcare, real estate, and consumer staples lagged. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.24% and closed at 40,842.79. The S&P 500 gained 1.58%, ending the day at 5,522.30, and ...