Within the Nasdaq -100 index, Advanced Micro Devices AMD and Palo Alto Networks PANW were among the best performers at the market open. AMD stock rallied 4.8%, hitting a new 52-week high. Palo Alto shares rose 1.8%, on pace to add to Tuesday's 4.3% advance.

Signs that U.S. tariffs on imports have not fully filtered into headline consumer prices came as a relief for investors this week as they seek insight on the impact of trade uncertainty on the economy.