US equity futures were cautiously lower pre-bell Wednesday as traders digested earnings from major retailers and looked ahead to the release of the minutes from the Federal Reserve's most recent monetary policy meeting.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down 0.1%, S&P 500 futures were 0.2% lower, and Nasdaq futures were down 0.3%.

On the earnings front, TJX (TJX) reported higher fiscal Q2 earnings and net sales in addition to raising its fiscal 2026 EPS outlook. Lowe's (LOW) posted higher fiscal Q2 adjusted earnings and sales in addition to lifting its fiscal 2025 sales guidance. Target (TGT) reported lower fiscal Q2 financial results.

Oil prices were higher, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude up 1.2% at $66.56 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 1.3% higher at $62.60 per barrel.

The policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee is scheduled to release the minutes from its latest meeting at 2 pm ET.