Here is how major stock markets outside the United States ended on Wednesday.
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.