Stocks recover, still suffer
S&P 500 ends barely red, but that means it's
down for a fifth session following Fed minutes.
U.S. stock indexes extend losing run
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- U.S. stocks ended lower on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 extending its longest down streak since May 18, after the Federal Reserve failed to offer a more decisive signal of further stimulus. "All monetary policy is Band-Aids while the patient gets sicker and sicker," said Gary Flam, portfolio manager at Bel Air Investment Advisors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIJIA) declined 48.59 points, or 0.4%, to 12,604.53. The S&P 500 (SNC:SPX) edged fractionally lower to 1,341.45. Both the Dow and the S&P 500 ended in the red for a fifth session. Off for a fourth session, the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQ:COMP) slid 14.35 points, or 0.5%, to 2,887.98