The energy sector .SPNY, slumped 2.5 percent for its biggest decline since mid-September. Oil prices tumbled more than 5 percent in the wake of a much stronger-than-expected rise in U.S. inventories.

"Good news had certainly been out there in terms of production cuts," said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment officer of Solaris Group in Bedford Hills, New York.

"Now you see, especially on the U.S. side, inventory builds and shale producers making some good money at these levels so production comes back on line."

Also moving lower were interest rate-sensitive real estate stocks .SPLRCR, off 1.5 percent, after the ADP National Employment report showed the U.S. private sector added 298,000 jobs last month, well above expectations for a 190,000 increase.

The robust data set the stage for Friday's nonfarm payrolls report, which includes private and public sector jobs and is seen as a barometer of the U.S. economy. With a small chance of a weak payrolls report, the U.S. Federal Reserve is more likely to raise rates at its meeting next week.

Traders now price in an 85.2-percent chance of a rate increase, according to Thomson Reuters data, up from 30 percent at the start of last week following hawkish comments from a string of Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Janet Yellen.

Wall Street's main indexes remain close to all-time highs, driven by anticipation of pro-growth policies under President Donald Trump. However, as details remain scarce on his plans, gains have moderated and concerns about stock valuations are more pronounced.

The S&P 500 is trading at about 18 times forward earnings estimates against the long-term average of about 15 times, according to Thomson Reuters data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI fell 69.17 points, or 0.33 percent, to 20,855.59, the S&P 500 .SPX lost 5.41 points, or 0.23 percent, to 2,362.98 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 3.62 points, or 0.06 percent, to 5,837.55.

Caterpillar (CAT.N) fell 2.8 percent after the New York Times said it reviewed a report commissioned by the U.S. government that accused the heavy equipment maker of carrying out tax and accounting fraud.

H&R Block (HRB.N) shares surged nearly 15 percent for their best day in over eight years, after the tax preparation company posted its quarterly results.

Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 2.74-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.45-to-1 ratio favored decliners.

The S&P 500 posted 15 new 52-week highs and 13 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 65 new highs and 47 new lows.

About 7.07 billion shares changed hands in U.S. exchanges, slightly above the 6.94 billion daily average over the last 20 sessions.