Wall Street futures higher ahead of Fed decision

NEW YORK -- Stock futures are indicating a higher opening on Wall Street as investors await the Federal Reserve's latest assessment of the economy.

Policy makers aren't expected to increase the central bank's benchmark interest rate just yet, wanting to leave the rate at a record low to nurture an economic turnaround. But investors will be looking for the Fed's view on the 3.5 percent growth in the economy in the third quarter.

Reports on the labor market and the service sector are also expected.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 61 at 9,778, after the index lost 17 points yesterday. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are up 6 at 1,048, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are up 4 at 1,680.

-- The Associated Press