Major U.S. stock-indexes higher on Tuesday, helped by gains in healthcare stocks, even as investors awaited monetary policy decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. Though the Fed is not expected to raise rates, Chair Janet Yellen's speech on Wednesday is keenly awaited for any clues about rate changes in the coming months.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (23 of 30). Top gainer - Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK, +1.62%). Top loser - E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DD, -0.33%).

Most of S&P sectors also in positive area. Top gainer - Healthcare (+0.8%). Top loser - Conglomerates (-0.1%).

At the moment:

Dow 18101.00 +49.00 +0.27%

S&P 500 2138.00 +5.00 +0.23%

Nasdaq 100 4805.75 +11.50 +0.24%

Oil 44.16 +0.30 +0.68%

Gold 1318.40 +0.60 +0.05%

U.S. 10yr 1.67 -0.03