Closing stock market indices

Here is how major stock markets outside the United States ended on Wednesday.
EUROPE STOCK EXCHANGE: European shares closed 1 percent up with electronics giant Philips recovering from the previous session's fall and investors hoping the end is in sight for US interest rate rises. Bourses shrugged off oil hitting a new record above $73 a barrel after US gasoline stockpiles fell sharply and fears continued that Iran's row with the West over its nuclear ambitions could hit supplies.
Utilities were among leading gainers and energy stocks ticked up as the market looked at the benefits of the high oil price rather than fret about its potential impact on corporate growth. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares closed 1.16 percent higher at 1,384.01 points, heading towards the near five-year peak of 1,387.50 points set earlier this month.
FRANKFURT STOCK EXCHANGE: The DAX index ended at 5,993.76 points, up 91.18 or 1.54 percent.
PARIS STOCK EXCHANGE: The CAC-40 index closed at 5,158.14 points, up 62.17 or 1.22 percent.
ZURICH STOCK EXCHANGE: The Swiss market index closed at 8,050.86 points, up 89.51 or 1.12 percent.
MILAN STOCK EXCHANGE: The All Share Mibtel index closed at 29,566 points, up 362 or 1.24 percent.
SYDNEY STOCK EXCHANGE: Shares added 0.67 percent to set another record peak, as surging copper and gold prices pushed mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto to lifetime highs. The S&P/ASX 200 Index added 35.3 points to end at 5,283.9.
JOHANNESBURG STOCK EXCHANGE: South Africa's major indexes marched to a new all-time high on strong commodity prices, but platinums tumbled after Zimbabwe renewed threats to nationalise foreign-owned mines, traders said. The All-share index closed at 21,100.61 points, up 153.71 or 0.73 percent. The All Gold index closed at 3,006.01 points, up 45.41 or 1.53 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 14,401.78 points, up 114.11 or 0.80 percent.
BANGKOK STOCK EXCHANGE: Thai financial markets were closed on Wednesday for a public holiday for Senate elections. Trade resumes on Thursday.