Major U.S. stock-indexes slightly higher on Wednesday as a recovery in oil added to the boost from earnings reports that beat tempered expectations. Crude pared earlier losses after a report showed a less-than-expected build in U.S. stockpiles. A three-day strike by Kuwaiti oil workers had driven prices higher and helped the S&P 500 breach 2,100 on Tuesday, about 30 points shy of its record high.

Investors are focused on the earnings season as they seek catalysts to drive stocks higher. Big-bank earnings reports last week were better than expected and helped lift sentiment, even though expectations for profit growth are bleak.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (18 of 30). Top looser - The Coca-Cola Company (KO, -4,44%). Top gainer - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH +2,77%).

S&P sectors mixed. Top looser - Conglomerates (-0,7%). Top gainer - Basic Materials (+0,8%).

At the moment:

Dow 18031.00 +70.00 +0.39%

S&P 500 2099.25 +5.50 +0.26%

Nasdaq 100 4547.75 +21.00 +0.46%

Oil 43.51 +1.04 +2.45%

Gold 1255.70 +1.40 +0.11%

U.S. 10yr 1.81 +0.02