U.S. stocks extend losing streak after Fed minutes downplay further easing

NEW YORK (MarketWatch)
U.S. stocks ended lower on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 extending its longest down streak since May 18, after the Federal Reserve failed to offer a more decisive signal of further stimulus
"All monetary policy is Band-Aids while the patient gets sicker and sicker," said Gary Flam, portfolio manager at Bel Air Investment Advisors
The Dow Jones Industrial Average  declined 48.59 points, or 0.4%, to 12,604.53
The S&P 500 edged fractionally lower to 1,341.45
Both the Dow and the S&P 500 ended in the red for a fifth session
Off for a fourth session, the Nasdaq Composite slid 14.35 points, or 0.5%, to 2,887.98