Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Expected Fed Rate Rise

U.S. stock futures gained ahead of an expected Federal Reserve rate increase, while a sharp escalation of threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted prices for energy and safe-haven assets.

Futures tied to the broad S&P 500 index inched up 0.4% Wednesday, while blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average futures added 0.3% and technology-heavy Nasdaq-100 futures rose 0.2%. Major indexes closed lower Tuesday on expectations of tighter monetary policy.