US stock indices closed higher on Wednesday amid a lack of data from the world's largest economy, while markets await former FBI chief James Comey's testimony tomorrow ahead of the Senate Intelligence Committee, in addition to the UK British elections and the European Central Banks meeting on Thursday as well.
Energy shares fell noticeably as crude prices tumbled back below $50 after the EIA inventory report showed the first buildup in nine weeks, while gasoline and distillate stocks rose as well in the week ending June 2.
Markets await the British Parliamentary elections tomorrow, which Prime Minister Theresa May called for, following recent terrorist attacks on Manchester and London, while the results will shape Brexit negotiations with the European Union for the next two years.
Comey will also testify about his firing from his post as an FBI chief by Trump for allegedly refusing to back down from a federal investigation into a former Trump associate.
The controversy over Trump's alleged obstruction of a federal investigation intensified doubts about his ability to carry out his economic agenda, including tax, healthcare reforms, and easing banking regulations.
Dow Jones rose 0.18%, or 37.46 points to 21,173.69, while Standard and Poor's 500 rose 0.16%, or 3.81 points to 2,433.14. NASDAQ Composite added 0.36%, or 22.32 points to 6,297.38.
Gold futures due on August 16 fell 0.64% to $1,289.20 an ounce from the opening of $1,297.50, while the dollar index rose 0.06% to 96.72 from the opening of 96.59.
Otherwise, US crude futures due on July 16 fell 4.96% to $45.80 a barrel from the opening of $48.19, while Brent crude futures due on August 16 tumbled 3.81% to $48.21 a barrel from the opening of $50.12.