U.S. stock-index futures were slightly higher on Wednesday, as investors assessed a bundle of economic data and earnings reports, while awaiting the release of the minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting. Growing oil prices provided support to the market.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 22,523.15 +106.67 +0.48%

Hang Seng 30,003.49 +185.42 +0.62%

Shanghai 3,430.55 +20.05 +0.59%

S&P/ASX 5,986.41 +22.89 +0.38%

FTSE 7,449.04 +37.70 +0.51%

CAC 5,382.39 +16.24 +0.30%

DAX 13,156.43 -11.11 -0.08%

Crude $57.81 (+1.72%)

Gold $1,285.00 (+0.26%)