US stock indexes mostly higher in afternoon trading; oil up

Energy companies led U.S. stock indexes mostly higher in early afternoon trading Wednesday as crude oil prices rose.

THE QUOTE: "It's sort of a yawn today in the market," said Jeff Zipper, managing director at the Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank.

[...] some of that investor optimism dimmed in recent weeks after the Trump administration's bid to pass a bill intended to begin repealing the Affordable Care Act failed to win enough votes.

RH, formerly Restoration Hardware, climbed 13 percent a day after the home furnishings and decor retailer reported stronger earnings.

Depomed slid 4.3 percent after the drugmaker issued disappointing first-quarter sales guidance and replaced its CEO and two board members to resolve a dispute with investment firm Starboard Value.

Dave & Buster's Entertainment fell 3.4 percent after the arcade and restaurant chain announced disappointing sales at older locations.

The National Association of Realtors said more people signed contracts to buy U.S. homes last month as warm weather and rising confidence appeared to encourage consumers to look for houses.

Britain's FTSE 100 was up 0.4 percent as Britain triggered the start of its exit from the European Union, a formal step that kicks off two years of negotiations that will have wide-ranging consequences for business in the region.

Benchmark U.S. crude oil futures rose 97 cents to $49.34 a barrel in New York.