U.S. stocks flat ahead of Federal Reserve's announcement

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. stocks were choppy early Wednesday, June 20 as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's announcement as to whether the central bank will announce any new stimulus action when it wraps up its two-day meeting.

"Prices have kind of flat lined at the moment because investors are reluctant to get in front of the release," said Mark Luschini, chief investment strategist Janney Montgomery Scott.

Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) slid 17 points, or 0.1%, the S&P 500 (SPX) shed 3 points, or 0.2% and the Nasdaq (COMP) lost 3 points, or 0.1%.

Investors also reacted to news that Greece has formed a coalition government, which is a step in the right direction, though the country still has a tough road ahead.

But investors remain on edge ahead of the Fed's policy statement shortly after noon. There's been growing hope that Fed's Open Market Committee will announce plans to continue its so-called Operation Twist bond buying program, or some other type of stimulus at the close of its two-day policy meeting, CNNMoney reported.