TORONTO — Strength in the energy sector helped buoy Canada's main stock index to close flat on Wednesday while U.S. markets moved lower.In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 180.65 points at 34,765.74. The S&P 500 index was down 33.53 points at 4,404.33, while the Nasdaq composite was down 156.42 points at 13,474.63.
"At the same time, it seems like policymakers are trying to step up their efforts to provide stimulus, which could help stabilize the economy down the road," he said."But I think in the near term, that's going to be an ongoing headwind for global risk sentiment." Minutes from the Fed’s most recent decision showed officials still see inflation as an ongoing threat that could require further hikes. However, officials also saw tentative signs of inflation pressures abating, leading to an overall mixed message from the central bank.