Major U.S. stock-indexes slightly rose for the third straight day on Wednesday as investors prepare for a widely anticipated interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve later in the day. An increase in the Fed's benchmark rate from near zero would be the first since June 29, 2006. After more than a year of posturing and a couple of false starts, the U.S. central bank is seen raising rates by a token 25 basis points.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (22 of 30). Top looser - E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DD, -3.96%). Top gainer - Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ, +1.32%).

Almost all S&P index sectors also in positive area. Top looser - Basic Materials (-0.6%). Top gainer - Utilities (+1,5%).

At the moment:

Dow 17474.00 +4.00 +0.02%

S&P 500 2041.00 +4.00 +0.20%

Nasdaq 100 4599.25 -1.75 -0.04%

Oil 35.80 -1.55 -4.15%

Gold 1075.30 +13.70 +1.29%

U.S. 10yr 2.30 +0.03