Major U.S. stock-indexes eased on Thursday after the Federal Reserve rekindled expectations of an interest rate hike in December and data suggested the economy was ready. The Fed, which kept rates unchanged at its policy meeting that ended Wednesday, downplayed concerns about global growth and indicated confidence in the U.S. job market's recovery. Data on Thursday underscored the strength in the labor market, showing that new applications for unemployment benefits remained near levels last seen in 1973.

Most of Dow stocks in negative area (22 of 30). Top looser - Pfizer Inc. (PFE, -1.92%). Top gainer - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH, +0.74%).

Most of S&P index sectors in negative area. Top looser - Conglomerates (+1,4%). Top gainer - Utilities (-1.1%).

At the moment:

Dow 17672.00 -30.00 -0.17%

S&P 500 2082.50 -2.00 -0.10%

Nasdaq 100 4663.50 -10.25 -0.22%

Oil 46.05 +0.11 +0.24%

Gold 1147.30 -28.80 -2.45%

U.S. 10yr 2.16 +0.07