The US stock market closed lower on Friday after recording a positive close yesterday.
This development occurred as investors prepared to await the publication of key economic data that could influence expectations for the Federal Reserve's (Fed) monetary policy.
The market is expected to receive a new picture of the economic situation through the publication of the preliminary estimate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the fourth quarter, as well as the PCE price index report, which is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation.
Meanwhile, the latest FOMC meeting minutes showed policymakers were seen as divided on the interest rate outlook.
Several officials hinted that they would consider additional tightening measures if inflation remained persistent.
However, traders maintained their stance on two interest rate cuts of 25 basis points before the end of this year.
In terms of the performance of Wall Street's main indexes, the Dow Jones fell 0.54%, the S&P 500 fell 0.28% and the Nasdaq Composite plunged 0.31%.
At the same time, eight of the 11 S&P sectors ended in negative territory with financials, consumer discretionary and technology stocks leading the losses.
