US benchmark equity indexes ended lower Tuesday as the Federal Reserve kicked off its two-day monetary policy meeting and investors assessed the latest economic data.

* Markets widely expect that the central bank's Federal Open Market Committee will deliver a quarter-percentage-point reduction in its benchmark lending rate Wednesday, according to the CME FedWatch tool. That would mark a second consecutive 25-basis-point decrease following a 50-basis-point reduction in September.

* US homebuilder confidence held steady in December as high prices and mortgage rates offset renewed optimism about an improved regulatory environment next year, according to National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo data.

* "While builders are expressing concerns that high interest rates, elevated construction costs and a lack of buildable lots continue to act as headwinds, they are also anticipating future regulatory relief in the aftermath of the election," said Carl Harris, association chairman.

* January West Texas Intermediate crude oil closed down $0.50 to settle at $70.21 per barrel, while February Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen down $0.61 to $73.30 amid weak demand from China.

* Pfizer (PFE) shares rose 4.7% after the pharmaceutical giant projected higher earnings for 2025 and revenue in line with this year's likely result as it looks to continue "disciplined execution" and cost cuts.

* Amentum (AMTM) shares slumped 9.6%, a day after the company reported lower fiscal Q4 pro forma non-GAAP net income and revenue.