U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq leading losses after stronger-than-expected retail sales data gave the Federal Reserve more ammunition to tighten policy, while geopolitical tensions over Russia and Ukraine added to caution. Eight of the 11 major S&P sectors fell, with technology and communication services leading to the decline. The energy index jumped 2 percent, tracking crude prices. Shares of ViacomCBS tumbled 20.3 percent after the media conglomerate missed profit forecasts, while announcing a change in its name to Paramount and unveiling a broad range of programming. Data showed retail sales rose 3.8 percent in January, rebounding sharply from the previous month, led by a surge in purchases of motor vehicles and other goods. Economists had forecast a rise of 2.0 percent. The numbers come ahead of minutes from the Fed’s meeting, due at 2 p.m. ET, with investors looking for more clues on the central bank’s …