Stocks fell on Wednesday as investors worried the Federal Reserve might be closer to reducing vast efforts that have shored up the economy and supported big gains in asset markets.

According to the latest figures, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 80.79 points, or 0.82 percent, to 9,749.08. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> lost 10.77 points, or 1.00 percent, to 1,060.89. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gave up 14.88 points, or 0.69 percent, at 2,131.42.

(Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Kenneth Barry)