Major U.S. stock-indexes rose a third straight day of gains on Wednesday, led by energy and materials stocks as oil prices rallied. Crude oil prices were at session-highs, up more than 5%, despite Iran refusing to be part of a group of top oil producers to freeze output. Data released on Wednesday showed that U.S. housing starts unexpectedly fell in January. But, a separate report showed producer prices rose last month and there were signs of an uptick in underlying producer inflation.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (27 of 30). Top looser - McDonald's Corp. (MCD, -1,43%). Top gainer - Chevron Corporation (CVX, +3,76%).

All of S&P sectors in positive area. Top gainer - Conglomerates (+3,9%).

At the moment:

Dow 16367.00 +236.00 +1.46%

S&P 500 1917.75 +29.00 +1.54%

Nasdaq 100 4170.50 +77.75 +1.90%

Oil 30.71 +1.67 +5.75%

Gold 1212.20 +4.00 +0.33%

U.S. 10yr 1.84 +0.06