New York - US stock index futures pointed to a very slightly lower open on Wednesday, a day after the S&P 500 ended above 2 100 for the first time, as investors waited to see whether a debt deal would be reached with Greece.
Wall Street stocks have been tied to signs of progress or difficulty with Greece's bailout programme of late, even though the United States has little direct exposure to the country. Market participants are concerned that if a deal isn't reached by February 28, when a bailout programme for Greece expires, increased volatility could spread through the euro zone.
European shares rose 0.6%, hitting a seven-year high after the Greek government confirmed it would ask for an extension of its loan agreement. Shares in Greek banks rose 6%.