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Signs of improving business sentiment at the world's major
economies helped European markets recover, but Asian shares fell
as investors backed away from risk.
Oil prices were slightly lower after data showing an increase in
U.S. stockpiles last week rekindled concerns about a global
glut.
Investors were also assessing comments from U.S. Federal Reserve
policymakers supporting more interest rate hikes this year as
the economy continues to show signs of resilience.
Data on Wednesday includes single-family home sales for
February, due at 10 a.m. Sales are expected to have risen 3.2
percent, suggesting that the housing market continues to
recover.
Nike <NKE.N> shares were down 4.9 percent at $61.75 in premarket
trading after the world's largest footwear maker reported
quarterly revenue below estimates.
Gilead Sciences was down 2.6 percent at $91.25 after a
federal jury upheld the validity of two Merck patents in a
high-profile dispute over Gilead's blockbuster cure for
hepatitis C.
Dow e-minis were down 10 points, or 0.06 percent, with 23,483
contracts changing hands.
S&P 500 e-minis were down 0.5 points, or 0.02 percent, with
106,133 contracts traded.
Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 2.25 points, or 0.05 percent, on
volume of 14,246 contracts.
(Reporting by Abhiram Nandakumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Ted
Kerr)
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