Mumbai, July 31 -- The tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 31.38 points (0.2%) to 21,129.67, the S&P 500 edged down 7.96 points (0.1%) to 6,362.90 and the Dow fell 171.71 points (0.4%) to 44,461.28.

The major averages ended mixed after the Federal Reserve, in a divided vote, opted to keep interest rates steady at 4.25% to 4.50%. While the Fed cited its commitment to full employment and 2% inflation, Governors Bowman and Waller favored a rate cut. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that no decision has been made regarding a rate cut in September, stating it will depend on upcoming data.

Payroll processor ADP released a report showing private sector employment in the U.S. increased by more than expected in the month of July. The report said private se...