The U.S.’ bluechip stock index is mired in its longest stretch in the red since 1978, a potentially concerning signal for investors enjoying an otherwise sanguine period for stocks, though Tuesday’s losses are largely tied to a singular company—UnitedHealth Group—and gains remain healthy over a longer timeframe.

The Dow lost more than 250 points ahead of the Fed's decision on interest rates. Nvidia stock continued its correction, while Tesla shares jumped.

All three main equity indexes gapped down at the open and showed red at the close with less than 24 hours before the Federal Open Market Committee is expected to announce its third interest rate cut since September.