"Stocks Fall as Fed Signals End to Hikes, Yet Rate Cut Timetable Unclear"

U.S. stocks declined as traders reacted to the Federal Reserve's December meeting minutes, which revealed a slightly more hawkish stance on interest rates and a strong commitment to achieving a 2% inflation target. Despite this, market participants still anticipate rate cuts in 2024, with a 33% chance of rates dropping below 3.75% by year-end. The major stock indexes experienced a drop, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq Composite all closing lower. The news also covered other financial updates, including the U.S. national debt surpassing $34 trillion, potential SEC rejection of a bitcoin ETF, and predictions of oil price increases due to Middle East tensions.