Major U.S. stock-indexes rose on Wednesday as crude oil prices clawed back some of their losses and reported merger talks between Dow Chemical (DOW) and DuPont (DD) helped prop up shares of raw materials companies.

Crude oil prices steadied after a brutal five-day selloff, but many investors expect oil to fall below 2008 lows due to a global supply glut. Copper prices also held their ground.

Dow Chemical (DOW) and DuPont (DD.N) jumped more 10% after reports that the companies are in talks to merge.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (23 of 30). Top looser - Apple Inc. (AAPL, -1.04%). Top gainer - E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DD, +12.66%).

All S&P index sectors also in positive area. Top gainer - Basic Materials (+3,3%).

At the moment:

Dow 17705.00 +171.00 +0.98%

S&P 500 2072.25 +13.50 +0.66%

Nasdaq 100 4681.00 -6.25 -0.13%

Oil 37.93 +0.42 +1.12%

Gold 1070.30 -5.00 -0.46%

U.S. 10yr 2.26 +0.03