U.S. stock-index futures were slightly higher on Wednesday, supported by a surge in commodity prices. Overall, the situation in the market remains rather calm, reminding investors that the week between Christmas and New Year's Day tends to be the slowest in terms of trading activity.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 22,911.21 +18.52 +0.08%

Hang Seng 29,597.66 +19.65 +0.07%

Shanghai 3,275.40 -30.73 -0.93%

S&P/ASX 6,069.90 +0.20 0.00%

FTSE 7,611.59 +18.93 +0.25%

CAC 5,366.77 +2.05 +0.04%

DAX 13,062.82 -9.97 -0.08%

Crude $59.45 (-0.87%)

Gold $1,288.30 (+0.06%)