Major U.S. stock-indexes slightly higer on Thursday, after three straight days of losses, as investors scoured for bargains ahead of a widely expected U.S. interest rate hike next week. Markets have had a bruising week so far as equities tracked oil prices. Brent futures are down more than 11% this month and, having dipped below $40 per barrel, there are renewed expectations it might test 2008 low.

As concerns regarding the global economy persist, all eyes will be on the Federal Reserve's meeting on Dec. 15-16, when it is expected to raise rates for the first time in nearly a decade.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (26 of 30). Top looser - E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DD, -2.08%). Top gainer - Chevron Corporation (CVX, +2.46%).

Most of S&P index sectors also in positive area. Top looser - Utilities (-1.1%). Top gainer - Healthcare (+0,5%).

At the moment:

Dow 17495.00 +120.00 +0.69%

S&P 500 2046.25 +12.00 +0.59%

Nasdaq 100 4639.00 +29.25 +0.63%

Oil 36.86 -0.30 -0.81%

Gold 1073.00 -3.50 -0.33%

U.S. 10yr 2.22 +0.02