U.S. futures higher ahead of 'Brexit' vote

U.S. stock futures were higher Tuesday, once against signaling investors fears of Britain leaving the European Union are subsiding.

Here is where U.S. futures stood ahead of opening bell:

Dow: +.73%

S&P: +.58%

Nasdaq: +.77%

Global stocks gained as opinion polls and betting markets indicated Britons will vote to remain in the European Union in the referendum Thursday. Many expect a "Brexit," or departure from the EU, would hurt the British economy and possibly encourage other countries to leave. Uncertainty about the outcome has weighed on global markets.

Britain's FTSE rose 3% up to 6,204, while Germany's DAX rose .85% to 9,962.02. France's CAC 40 opened .98% up to 4,340.76.

Asian stocks also fared well Tuesday. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 is up 1.2% to 16,158.58 points, and the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.2% to 2,893.42. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng increased 0.5% to 20,619.72.

Investors also are focused on Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's semi-annual report on the U.S. economy, which she is expected to deliver Tuesday in a meeting with the Senate Banking Committee. The Fed suggested in a statement after its latest policy meeting that it likely will not raise interest rates until the economy improves.

Contributing: The Associated Press.