Major U.S. stock-indexes slightly rose on Wednesday as a rise in energy shares from recovering oil prices were capped by a fall in biotech stocks. Biotechs came under pressure after the U.S. government proposed a test program aimed at lowering Medicare drug costs. Brent crude extended gains above $40 a barrel, after U.S. crude stockpiles rose in line with estimates last week and gasoline inventories fell more than expected.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (19 of 30). Top looser - NIKE, Inc. (NKE, -2,01%). Top gainer - Chevron Corporation (CVX, +5,63%).

Almost all of S&P sectors in positive area. Top looser - Healthcare (-0,2%). Top gainer - Basic Materials (+1,8%).

At the moment:

Dow 17014.00 +42.00 +0.25%

S&P 500 1987.75 +6.75 +0.34%

Nasdaq 100 4281.50 +11.00 +0.26%

Oil 37.92 +1.42 +3.89%

Gold 1254.90 -8.00 -0.63%

U.S. 10yr 1.87 +0.04