The US Federal Reserve cited an improving economy as it ended its landmark bond-buying programme and pointed to gains in the jobs market – a key condition for an eventual interest rate hike.

Wall Street finished a quiet session modestly higher today as Wall Street awaited the government’s September employment report, hoping it will strike a balance between steady growth and more room for interest rate cuts.

Wall Street retreated sharply today as investors glumly absorbed a spike in oil prices and comments from two Federal Reserve officials that unexpected economic growth could prompt an interest rate hike.

Wall Street extended its November rally into a new week today, betting that an upcoming series of economic reports will show strength in the overall economy with inflation contained.