Stocks Close Mixed as Fed Stands Pat on Rates

Updated with closing market prices

The major indices in New York finished mixed on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve cited economic improvement but opted not to expand purchase programs; the Fed separately faced allegations it was involved in a "cover-up" on the Bank of America(BAC Quote)/Merrill Lynch merger.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 23.05 points, or 0.3%, at 8299.86, while the S&P 500 climbed 5.84 points, or 0.7%, to 900.94. The Nasdaq Composite rose 27.42 points, or 1.6%, to 1792.34.

Boeing(BA Quote), down 5.8%, was the biggest drag on the Dow for a second day after delaying the first flight of the 787 Dreamliner. Industrials and technology stocks fared the best, with Alcoa(AA Quote) adding 2.2%, and DuPont(DD Quote) and Intel(MMM Quote) rising 1.8% apiece. ...