European shares mostly headed higher in early trading. Benchmarks advanced in Asia as jitters eased over U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. The gains followed a strong rally on Wall Street.
Analysts said geopolitical risks remained after Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in defiance of Beijing, with China conducting military exercises near the self-ruled island that it claims as its own territory. Alves said investors are also watching U.S. nonfarm payrolls, due Friday, for indications on hiring, and how that might affect interest rate policy. But overall, Pelosi's trip so far has had little impact on markets. She was visiting Seoul on Thursday and would then head to Japan.
Oil prices rose following OPEC's decision to boost production in September at a much slower pace than previous months. Benchmark U.S. crude added 50 cents to US$91.16 a barrel. On Wednesday, U.S. crude oil fell 4% to settle at $90.66 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, added 29 cents to $97.07 a barrel.