S&P closes slightly higher after Fed minutes feed stable rate view

The gains were minor and short-lived. Many market participants question whether the Fed will hold off so long on a rate hike

Major averages hovered near unchanged on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 closing up slightly after the Federal Reserve released minutes from its most recent meeting that reinforced the U.S. central bank's position to remain patient before raising rates.
 

The major indexes held near unchanged for most of the day but the S&P 500 briefly climbed to a session high after the minutes, in which Fed officials said it would likely take "some time" for substantial further progress on goals of maximum employment and stable prices.
 

The gains were minor and short-lived. Many market participants question whether the Fed will hold