Stocks closed modestly lower in a volatile session as market participants weighed better U.S. economic data against the fears the Fed may soon start to curtail its bond buying.
Stocks closed down 1 percent after the minutes from the last Fed policy setting meeting suggested the central bank could begin tapering bond purchases sooner than the market expects.
Stocks closed higher but off their best levels after two Fed officials dampened speculation the central bank was ready to consider "tapering" its bond-buying.
Big investors are reporting their quarterly holdings, offering a glimpse into what some of the big fish were buying and selling during the first quarter.
The S&P and Dow closed at fresh all-time highs on Tuesday after widely followed hedge fund manager David Tepper said he is "definitely bullish" on stocks.