-- Wall Street futures pointed marginally lower pre-bell Wednesday as traders digested the earnings season and awaited possibly renewed Tehran-Washington peace negotiations.
President Donald Trump's naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz appeared to be hold.
In the futures, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq, and the Dow Jones were all marginally lower pre-bell.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil traded 1.8% higher at $92.89.
Asian exchanges traded mostly higher overnight on Middle East prospects while European bourses edged lower midday on the continent, with luxury retail stocks slipping.
Bank of America (BAC) shares were up 1.2% pre-bell after the company reported higher Q1 earnings and revenue.
PNC Financial Services (PNC) stock was 0.7% lower after the company posted Q1 revenue that trailed analyst estimates.
Morgan Stanley (MS) and Progressive Corp. (PGR) are among companies reporting earnings pre-bell.
On the economic calendar, mortgage applications rose by 1.8% in the week ended April 10 as lower mortgage rates lifted refinancing activity which was partially offset by a small decline in new home applications, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data released Wednesday.
The Empire State Manufacturing Index for April is due at 8:30 am, along with the March import and export prices bulletin.
The NAHB Housing Market Index for April posts at 10 am, followed by the weekly EIA petroleum status report at 10:30 am.
Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr and Vice Chair Michelle Bowman are slated to speak on Wednesday.
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book, a compendium of business and economic reports from the 12 regional Fed branches, will post at 2 pm.
In premarket activity, Bitcoin traded at $73,954, and 10-year US Treasuries offered 4.26%. Spot gold commanded $4,795 an ounce.