Stock index futures pointed to a stronger start for U.S. equities on Wednesday, rebounding from a fall in the previous session when stocks suffered due to weak housing data.

* At 0853 GMT, futures for the Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq

were up between 0.5 and 0.6 percent.

* The FTSEurofirst 300 index of leading European shares was down 0.5 percent at 1,045.68 points, with weak U.S. housing data fuelling worries about global economic growth.

* The Federal Reserve is expected to restate its intention to keep interest rates on hold near zero for an extended period and perhaps offer a less upbeat outlook for the economy. Europe is likely to be a key focal point in the Fed's discussions, which began on Tuesday, as policymakers assess the extent to which the continent's debt troubles and its negative effects on credit markets might impact the United States.

* U.S. new home sales are expected to have fallen by about 19 percent in May to an annual rate of 410,000 units, from 504,000 in April. Home sales are in search of a level supported only by underlying fundamental factors, which remain weak, after the closing of a government tax break. Sales figures are due at 1400 GMT.

* Analysts will be watching forward orders of goods at Nike

when it reports fiscal fourth-quarter results, an indicator of retail demand for the shoe and apparel maker's products. Nine teams, including the U.S. and Brazil, are wearing Nike-branded uniforms at the World Cup, this year's highest-profile global sporting event.

* U.S. stocks fell more than 1 percent in a late-day selloff on Tuesday as unexpectedly poor existing home sales data and the puncture of a key technical level sapped buying interest.

* The Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 1.6 percent to below the 200-day moving average, which had been a basis of support in the last few days.

* Energy companies numbered among the decliners amid worries about regulation. Oil drillers briefly spiked after a U.S. judge ruled against a six-month moratorium imposed by the White House on deepwater drilling, but the Obama administration said it will immediately appeal, and the sector fell..

* After the bell, shares of Adobe Systems Inc and Red Hat Inc

fell in extended trading after the companies reported their results.

(Reporting by Brian Gorman; editing by Simon Jessop)

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