04:00 PM EDT, 10/02/2024 (MT Newswires) -- US benchmark equity indexes ended higher Wednesday as markets parsed the latest batch of economic data and remarks by a Federal Reserve official.

* Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin said he's "not yet confident nor cynical enough" to announce victory over inflation as there's still significant uncertainty around both inflation and employment.

"As we decide how fast to move and how far to go during this rate-reduction cycle, we are just going to need to be attentive and learn as we go," Barkin said Wednesday.

* Employment growth in the US private sector accelerated in September, while wage growth cooled, Automatic Data Processing ( ADP ) said.

"One should never put too much into the monthly ADP report," TS Lombard said in a note. "That it came in above expectations raises the probability that the (Bureau of Labor Statistics) numbers on Friday will fall short."

* November West Texas Intermediate crude oil closed up $0.27 to settle at $70.10 per barrel, while December Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen up $0.17 to $73.73 on heightened worries over a spreading Middle Eastern war that could threaten Persian Gulf oil supplies, but surrendered most early gains after a report showed U.S. oil inventories unexpectedly rose last week.

* Caesars Entertainment ( CZR ) said it plans to offer $1 billion of senior notes due 2032 in a private placement. The company's shares rose 5.3%.

* Humana (HUM) shares plunged nearly 12% after the health insurer said that the number of members enrolled in 2025 Medicare Advantage plans with a quality rating of at least four stars is expected to plunge, likely affecting its 2026 revenue and bonus payments.