The Federal Reserve's meeting minutes threw a bucket of water on stocks today, with the central bank noting economic policy will need to stay “restrictive” to bring inflation to its 2% target. Investors now expect interest rates to hold steady in December, rather than be cut back. In response, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq snapped their five-day win streaks, while the Dow settled firmly lower as well. Elsewhere, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) saw its third consecutive daily drop

GOLD PRICES NAB HIGHEST CLOSE THIS MONTH

Oil prices moved lower on Tuesday, ahead of the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) U.S. supply data due out tomorrow, in addition to the Exporting Countries and its allies' (OPEC+) output decision. January-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 6 cents, or roughly 0.1%, to close at $77.77 a barrel.

Meanwhile, gold prices conquered the psychologically significant $2,000 level. Easing inflation and hopes that the Fed is finished hiking interest rates boosted the yellow metal. December-dated gold added $21.30, or 1.1%, to close at $2,001.60 an ounce for the day -- its highest close since October.

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