Abstract. It is found that the finite-energy spectral properties of the onedimensional Hubbard model are controlled by the scattering of charged η-spin-zero 2ν-holon composite objects, spin-zero 2ν-spinon composite objects, and charged η-spin-less and spin-less objects, rather than by the scattering of independent η-spin 1/2 holons and spin 1/2 spinons. Here ν = 1, 2, .... The corresponding S matrix is calculated and its relation to the spectral properties is clarified.