Tesla Inc TSLA.O rose after the electric-vehicle maker indicated longer waiting times for some versions of the Model Y in China, signaling the recent price cuts could be stoking demand. By Caroline Valetkevitch NEW YORK, Jan 9 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 index .SPXclosed barely changed on Monday as expectations that the Federal Reserve will become less aggressive with its interest rate hikes were offset by lingering worries about inflation. FEDWATCH A consumer prices report due Thursday could be key for rate expectations, said Quincy Krosby, chief global strategist, LPL Financial in Charlotte, North Carolina.