Stocks Inch Up Ahead of Fed Minutes and Inflation Data; Exxon to Announce $60B Pioneer Buy; Oil Flat Amid Israel-Hamas Violence; Birkenstock IPO Prices at $9.3B Valuation

U.S. stock futures edge up ahead of Fed meeting minutes and inflation data. Comments from Fed officials hint interest rate hikes may pause.

ExxonMobil reportedly set to announce $60 billion acquisition of rival Pioneer Natural Resources, cementing its position as a leading U.S. oil company.

Oil prices trade flat amid ongoing supply concerns after violence escalates between Israel and Hamas militants.

German sandal maker Birkenstock prices IPO at $46 per share, valuing company at $9.3 billion. Stock to start trading on NYSE.

Fed minutes from September meeting in focus for clues on future rate hikes. CPI inflation data due Thursday also eyed by markets.