Before the Bell: 5 things you need to know

European stocks edged up on Wednesday, Spanish and Italian bond yields eased, and investor hope for further U.S. and European monetary stimulus was renewed ahead of critical Greek elections. Though markets appear calmer, investors are "remaining in the shadows" until decisive Eurozone action is taken.

Asian markets were also mostly higher on Wednesday though Spain's banking system and Greece's forthcoming election remains a key focus for investors worried that Greece may elect to leave the Eurozone.

Prior to the TSX open, here's what you should know:

*U.S. futures point to a lower open as investors are mindful of the ongoing Eurozone debt crisis. Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell five points to 12509, while those for the Standard & Poor's 500 index fell two points to 1318. Futures for the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 4.5 points to 2540.5.

*Benchmark oil for July delivery rose 17¢ to US$83.49 per barrel and Brent crude for July delivery was up 42¢ at $97.56 per barrel.

*Gold prices rose on Wednesday with spot gold up 0.2 per cent at $1,613.30 an ounce and U.S. gold futures for August delivery up 90¢ per ounce at $1,614.70.

*Statistics Canada releases its first quarter 2012 report on Canada's international investment position on Wednesday. The Canadian dollar is up 42¢ to trade at 97.40¢ US.

*On the economic data calendar stateside for Wednesday, investors will eye U.S. retail sales and U.S. producer prices reports.