* U.S. stock index futures pointed to a mixed opening on Wall Street on Wednesday as investors await U.S. inflation and housing start figures.

At 0956 GMT, futures for the S&P 500 SPc1 were up 0.04 percent, Dow Jones industrial average DJc1 were down 0.02 percent and Nasdaq 100 NDc1 futures were 0.1 percent lower.

* In Europe, shares bounced back on Wednesday to trade near their highest level in more than 13 months, with the FTSEurofirst 300 .FTEU3 index up 0.3 percent at 1,033.52 points at 0958 GMT.

* At 1330 GMT, investors will be bracing themselves for the Labor Department's release of October Consumer Price Index figures. Economists in a Reuters survey expect a 0.2 percent rise, a repeat of the September increase.

* They will also keep an eye on the Commerce Department release of housing starts and permits for October, also due at 1330 GMT. Economists in a Reuters survey forecast a 600,000 annualized rate versus a September rate of 590,000.

* In earnings news, NetApp (NTAP.O) is reporting second-quarter results, with analysts in a Reuters poll expecting the company to earn 0.30 cents a share compared to 0.28 cents a year ago.

* Limited Brands (LTD) is reporting third-quarter numbers, with analysts in a Reuters poll expecting the company to make a loss of 0.02 cents compared to a gain of 0.01 cents a year ago.

* Chocolate makers Hershey Co (HSY.N) and Ferrero SpA are considering a joint bid for Cadbury Plc (CBRY.L) that could help the British confectioner fend off a hostile takeover by Kraft Foods Inc (KFT.N).

* Shares of Salesforce.com Inc (CRM.N) fell 3 percent to $63.66 after the closing bell on Tuesday after the company released third-quarter results.

* Shares of Autodesk Inc (ADSK.O) fell in extended trading on Tuesday after the company reported third-quarter results.

* U.S. stocks rose to fresh 13-month highs on Tuesday as upbeat broker views on improving prospects for two Dow components offset disappointing holiday spending outlooks from Target (TGT.N) and Home Depot (HD.N).

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 0.3 percent, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX edged up 0.1 percent and the Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC added 0.3 percent.

Investment U.S.