The U.S.-based indices closed mixed this afternoon. Asian stocks closed higher in the overnight session as equities in Europe closed mostly higher this morning.

With a relatively quiet trading afternoon, market participants are focused on the impending FOMC meeting beginning tomorrow morning.  Economists are looking for clarity with respect to Fed Funds Rates into the rest of 2017 and the FED opinions on inflation expectation.

Energy traders are closely monitoring rhetoric from OPEC ministers as WTI maintains its sub $50 stance.