Stocks were up slightly on Wednesday morning ahead of the FOMC's policy statement and comments from Fed Chairman Powell. The Commerce Department reported that retail sales rose 0.6% in August, compared to 0.9% in July. Automobile sales rose 0.2% and 4.7% at bars and restaurants. The Dow rose 0.8%, the S&P 0.6%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.1%. Crude oil traded near $40 per barrel, while gold rose $10 to $1976 per ounce.