The comments follow a softer-than-expected inflation report last week, which had buoyed hopes that price pressures were easing and the Fed could scale back its hefty interest rate hikes.
"The market is expecting the Fed to continue its hawkish rhetoric on rates," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities.
Once they (Fed) raise rates at 50 (bps), there's a possibility that they might indicate slower rates."
Traders now expect the Fed to hike interest rates in December by a half point, and expect terminal rate in the range of 4.75%-5.0% next year.
ET, Dow e-minis were down 50 points, or 0.15%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 11.5 points, or 0.29%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 62 points, or 0.52%.