Inflation accelerated slightly for the month of October, sparking concern the Fed could pause its interest rate-cutting cycle in January.

U.S. stocks drifted to a mixed finish Wednesday after the latest inflation update boosted hopes that more help for the economy will arrive next month through a cut to interest rates. The S&P 500 was nearly unchanged and edged up by less than 0.

"The incredible move in the stock market postelection has effectively eased financial conditions for stock investors. This easing, combined with incoming fiscal stimulus, may warrant a pause on rate cuts by the Fed in the near future to allow the dust to ...