Global Stocks

European stocks closed higher on Thursday, breaking a five-day losing streak as investors welcomed a rally in oil prices and continued to follow developments in the U.K. election campaign. The Stoxx Europe 600 index SXXP, +0.43% gained 0.4% to finish at 391.66, after closing at the lowest level in almost two weeks on Wednesday.

U.S. stocks ended at record levels on Thursday, boosted by by stronger-than-expected data on private-sector hiring and manufacturing. The S&P 500 SPX, +0.76% closed 18.26 points, or 0.8%, higher at 2,430.06, with all 11 main sectors ending in positive territory. Financials, health-care and materials stocks led the gains, up more than 1%. The Nasdaq Composite COMP, +0.78% advanced 48.31 points, or 0.8%, to 6,246.83.

Japan's benchmark index zoomed above 20,000 points on Friday, the first time in 18 months, leading broad equity gains across the region following another record close on Wall Street overnight. The Nikkei Stock Average NIK, +1.75% was the region's best performer for the second straight session, gaining 1.4% to 20138, lifted by a strengthening U.S. dollar against the yen, which benefits the nation's exporters. The U.S. dollar was up 0.5% against the yen compared with Thursday's close. Gains were widening early Friday.