US equity futures were higher pre-bell Wednesday as traders looked ahead to the minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest policy-setting meeting.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were 0.2% higher, S&P 500 futures were up 0.3%, and Nasdaq futures were 0.5% higher.

Oil prices were higher, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude up 2.6% at $69.14 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 2.6% higher at $63.86 per barrel.

The December durable goods report, scheduled for release at 8:30 am ET, is expected to show a 2% decline in new orders following a 5.3% increase in the prior month, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Meanwhile, forecasters see housing starts at 1.304 million and permits at 1.400 million.

The January industrial production bulletin, due at 9:15 am ET, is expected to show a 0.4% uptick to match December's gain.

The Federal Open Market Committee is scheduled to release the minutes from its most recent meeting at 2 pm ET.