New York - Wall Street stocks opened higher on Wednesday, extending the prior day's rally, as oil prices climbed near $50 a barrel.
Oil prices were up more than one percent ahead of US inventory data that is expected to show a drop in petroleum stocks, suggesting stronger demand.
Sentiment was further boosted by German data showing stronger business confidence in May and by an agreement of eurozone ministers that will unlock bailout funds for Greece.
Five minutes into trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was at 17 782.20, up 0.4%.
The broad-based S&P 500 rose 0.4% to 2 085.14, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.4% to 4 878.25.