Major U.S. stock-indexes slightly higher on Wednesday as the prospect of higher interest rates sent financial stocks up, offsetting a fall in retail shares. The minutes from the Federal Reserve's April meeting could give clues on the path of rate hikes.

Dow stocks mixed (15 vs 15). Top looser - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT, -2,73). Top gainer - JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM, +3,12%).

S&P sectors also mixed. Top looser - Basic Materials (-0,5%). Top gainer - Conglomerates (+1,2%).

At the moment:

Dow 17508.00 +19.00 +0.11%

S&P 500 2047.75 +4.25 +0.21%

Nasdaq 100 4338.75 +19.25 +0.45%

Oil 49.38 +0.39 +0.80%

Gold 1273.90 -3.00 -0.23%

U.S. 10yr 1.82 +0.06