US stocks rose as energy shares rallied on higher oil prices as the United States and its allies edged closer to military action against Syria.
The risk of an attack by Western powers on Syria contributed to falls in European shares, with travel stocks bearing the brunt of investor concerns, but a spike in oil prices boosted energy suppliers.
Asian shares stabilized after two days of steep losses as fears abated that U.S.-led forces would soon launch a military strike on Syria, and oil prices retreated from a six-month peak.