US stock futures rising before Bernanke remarks, Fed minutes and housing sales numbers

FILE - In this Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 file photo, traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York. Stock indexes are edging higher in early trading on Wall Street Tuesday, May 21, 2013, as investors look ahead to the Federal Reserve's next moves. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) (The Associated Press)

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In this Tuesday, April 2, 2013, photo, Sam and Liz Weidner, of Hudsonville, Mich., view a home for sale in Lowell, Mich. The National Association of Realtors reports on sales of previously occupied homes in April on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this May 10, 2013 file photo, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke waves goodbye after speaking during a banking conference in Chicago. When Bernanke testifies about the U.S. economy Wednesday, May 22, 2013, the Federal Reserve chairman’s words will be examined for any clues that the Fed might soon taper _ or increase _ its support for the economy. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File) (The Associated Press)

U.S. stock futures are rising with the nation's central bank seemingly committed to ushering along a financial rebound and the housing market nearing an important milestone.

Dow Jones industrial futures are up 15 points to 15,370. S&P futures have added 2.2 points to 1,667.80. Nasdaq futures are up 4.25 points to 3,025.75.

The Federal Reserve releases minutes Wednesday from its most recent policy meeting and Chairman Ben Bernanke goes before Congress to testify about the state of the U.S. economy.

Comments from two Fed officials this week are already pushing markets higher.

Also Wednesday, economists expect the National Association of Realtors to report that previously owned home sales rose last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of nearly 5 million.

That would be the fastest pace in more than three years.

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