Nike Inc reported a worse-than-expected global decline in forward orders, especially in its European region, sending shares of the world’s largest athletic shoe and clothing company down nearly 5 percent in extended trading on Wednesday.

The Federal Reserve didn’t surprise investors but still left them disappointed. Stocks closed mostly higher Wednesday after the Fed said the economy was on the mend and orders for big-ticket manufactured items posted an unexpected increase.

The Dow fell for the fourth day and other indexes ended well off the day’s highs on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve reiterated concerns about the economic outlook at the end of its policy meeting.

The Federal Reserve signaled Wednesday that the weak economy likely will keep prices in check despite growing concerns that the trillions it’s pumping into the financial system will ignite inflation.

Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market: NYSE:

Shares of Office Depot Inc. climbed in Wednesday trading, a day after the retailer said it was selling a $350 million stake in the company to a private equity firm.

Major business events and economic events scheduled for Thursday: WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke expected to testify to House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about allegations by Bank of America Corp.’s chief executive that government officials pressed him to buy Merrill Lynch & Co.

Shares of AeroVironment Inc. jumped Wednesday, a day after the maker of unmanned aircraft reported a drop in fourth-quarter profit while still beating Wall Street estimates.

Technology stocks ranging from Palm Inc. to EMC Corp. got a boost Wednesday as the broader market also advanced following a surprise jump in durable goods data.

Shares of Sonic Corp. jumped Wednesday after analysts said sales may improve in the next few months at the drive-in restaurant chain due to a new value menu and other initiatives meant to boost traffic.