Futures Higher After JPMorgan (JPM) And Intel (INTC) Wow The Market, More Data To Come

U.S. stock index futures point to a higher start on Wednesday after JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) kicked off earnings for the banking sector with better-than expected Q3 results and Intel’s (Nasdaq: INTC) strong outlook after the bell last night.

Investors will be closely watching retail sales data, which is expected to fall 2.1%. Another report that markets will be looking for is the FOMC minutes from its meeting of Sept. 22-23.

European shares rose to their highest level in a year, led by miners and after earnings from ASML Holding (Nasdaq: ASML) further reassured investors.

Asian markets rose to their highest levels since early August, helped by commodity prices and technology sector.

Oil surged for a fifth day to hover around $75 a barrel, boosted by optimism for a higher energy demand. Gold was up after rising above $1,070 as the dollar slid to new 14-month lows against the euro.