Major U.S. indexes were higher at midday Wednesday ahead of the release of minutes from the September Federal Reserve meeting when policymakers cut interest rates by 50 basis points (bps). The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all rose.

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Shares of Boeing (BA) slid after the plane maker withdrew its contract offer to its striking machinists, and S&P Glo💃bal warned its bond rating could be downgraded if the walkout continues.

Rio Tinto's (RIO) U.S.-listed shares fell after the mining giant agreed to buy lithium producer Arcadium Lithium (ALTM) for $6.7 billion. Arcadium shares soared.

Oil and gold futures declined. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note was higher. The U.S. dollar advanced on the euro, pound, and yen. Prices for most major cryptocurrencies were down.