NEW YORK, Sept 23 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday as investors pared back bullish bets that followed an optimistic statement from the Federal Reserve on the economic recovery.
* With the market up 60 percent in six months, some traders said investors opted to book profits as they brace for the upcoming earnings season.
* The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 16.40 points, or 0.17 percent, to 9,813.47. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 3.50 points, or 0.33 percent, to 1,068.16. The Nasdaq Composite Index lost 5.11 points, or 0.24 percent, to 2,141.19. (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Kenneth Barry)