Mixed Fed Messages and Strong GDP Data Leave Stock Market in Limbo

The S&P 500 ended slightly lower as mixed messages from Federal Reserve officials raised questions about the duration of the central bank's restrictive policy. The Dow ended slightly higher, while the Nasdaq joined the S&P 500 in negative territory. Investors are awaiting the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) inflation report. Despite recent sluggish movement, November has been a strong month for the market. The Federal Reserve's Beige Book showed that economic activity has slowed modestly under the central bank's restrictive monetary policy. General Motors gained on a share buyback plan, while Humana and Cigna dipped on merger talks.