Equity markets tried to rebound on Wednesday but could not hold the gain. Rising oil prices invigorated fear of inflation and sent the markets down more than 0.5% at the session's low. The price of WTI advanced more than 3% at its high for the session and is on the verge of breaking out to a new 1-year high. The yield on the 10-year treasury, a gauge of the direction of interest rates, did advance to a new 1-year high, suggesting the FOMC's work is far from over.

Adding to the fear are comments from Fed President Neel Kashkari. In his view, interest rates are not high enough now and could be raised significantly before the threat of inflation is tamed. The S&P 500 could sink another 20% or more in that scenario. The next big hurdle for the market is Friday. The PCE price index is expected to show headline inflation accelerating, which could come hotter than expected.