U.S. stocks were mixed in the last trading day ahead of Friday’s December jobs report.
In choppy trading, the S&P 500 closed 0.2% higher on Wednesday, while the Nasdaq fell 0.1%. On Tuesday, both indexes fell more than 1%.
Minutes of the Federal Reserve’s December meeting released during afternoon trading showed that central bank officials believed “caution” was needed for future interest rate cuts. Still, the minutes did not change traders’ expectations that the Fed’s first rate cut this year will come in July.
Official employment data due on Friday will provide investors with their next chance to weigh the outlook for monetary policy this year.
U.S. stock and Treasury markets will be closed Thursday to honor former President Jimmy Carter.
