U.S. stocks ended lower on Wednesday, but off their lows of the day, with the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady as expected and Fed Chair Jerome Powell offering soothing comments for investors.

U.S. stocks slipped after the Federal Reserve held its main interest rate steady and broke a run of cuts that began in September

Jerome Powell-led FOMC maintained the policy rate steady at 4.25-4.50 per cent in the first decision of Trump's presidency after reducing the rates for three straight meetings in 2024.

Wall Street futures saw volatile movement Wednesday night after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, as expected, while signaling a prolonged pause in rate cuts. U.S. stock indexes reacted negatively,