Stock markets slipped on Wednesday morning, as cautious investors parsed mixed earnings reports and prepared for the Federal Reserve to resume raising interest rates.
The S&P 500 fell 0.2 percent ahead of the Fed’s announcement. The index has gained nearly 20 percent since the start of the year, but the rally has slowed this month from its earlier breakneck pace.
The Dow Jones industrial average, a collection of 30 stocks that are intended to track the broader economy, was on course for a 13th consecutive day of gains, posting a small gain in early trading Wednesday.
Stock markets often exhibit caution ahead of major events like Fed meetings, waiting until there is clarity over the central bank’s next move.