08:55 AM EDT, 04/24/2024 (MT Newswires) -- US equity futures were mostly higher ahead of Wednesday's opening bell, with futures on the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite outperforming other major benchmarks after electric vehicle manufacturer (TSLA) unveiled plans to launch new models.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were flat, S&P 500 futures increased 0.3%, and Nasdaq futures rose 0.7%.

Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 0.2% at $88.24 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude down 0.3% at $83.07, as traders await further demand cues following signs of declining supply in the country. US stockpiles of crude fell by 3.2 million barrels last week based on data from industry group American Petroleum Institute, according to media reports.

New orders for durable goods, released at 8:30 am ET, rose 2.6% in March following a 0.7% gain in February, topping estimates for a 2.5% increase, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei closed 2.4% higher, Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 2.2% higher, and China's Shanghai Composite finished 0.8% higher. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 rose 0.5%, and Germany's DAX index gained 0.3% in Europe's early afternoon session.

In equities, shares of Tesla were 12% higher pre-bell on a plan to launch new products earlier than previously expected. Westinghouse Air Brake ( WAB ) shares rose 5% after the company posted stronger Q1 financial results and raised its 2024 outlook.

On the losing side, Evotec (EVO) shares slumped 32% as the company unveiled a "priority reset" of its business following the appointment of a new CEO. Enphase Energy ( ENPH ) shares fell 7% after the company reported Q1 adjusted profit and revenue that trailed analysts' estimates.