US stocks retreated as interest rates rose in the bond market and a dearth of economic and corporate news left few incentives to bid many stock measures back into record territory.

The pull back marks the third time that the blue chip measure's rebound from July's rout has faltered after moving above 5,700 and within striking distance of its all time high at 5,778.00, set on May 22nd.

Broad market indexes also cut their losses going into the close.

Stocks started the day lower with bonds as the yield on the 30 year Treasury a key determinant of corporate and consumer borrowing costs rose to 6.83 per cent.

In the absence of any major developments, investors moved to secure some profits from the market's recent rallies on optimism for steady inflation and interest rates, analysts said. On Tuesday, the Federal Reserve confirmed expectations it would not try to slow the economy with higher interest rates.