UPDATED 7:20 ET

STOCKS -European stocks fell after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen signaled benchmark interest rates could rise about six months after the central bank ends bond purchases. U.S. index futures were little changed, while Asian shares dropped.

BONDS – Treasuries climbed, pushing yields lower after the biggest advance in four months spurred by comments from the Fed that signaled interest rates may rise by the middle of next year.

COMMODITIES – Gold traded near the lowest in almost three weeks as investors weighed the U.S. Federal Reserve’s indication that it will raise interest rates next year against the crisis over Ukraine. Silver declined.

CURRENCIES – The US Dollar strengthened for a second day against the euro after Federal Reserve policy makers signaled they will probably raise interest rates by the middle of next year.

ECONOMIC DATA – US Unemployment Claims due at 8:30, Existing Home Sales and Philly Fed Manufacturing Index at 10:00, Natural Gas Storage at 10:30 ET.