European markets ended a choppy session slightly higher on Wednesday, with German stocks leading the charge higher as auto makers advanced after key ratings upgrades. Gains in the region, however, were kept in check by concerns over North Korea's nuclear program and insurance companies struggling as Category 5 Hurricane Irma barreled toward the U.S.

U.S. stock benchmarks closed slightly higher Wednesday after congressional leaders and President Donald Trump agreed to extend the debt limit deadline and fund the government through mid-December. The gains on Wall Street came as investors grappled with lingering concerns over North Korea, a "potentially catastrophic" Hurricane Irma, doubts about President Donald Trump's business-friendly agenda, news that a key Federal Reserve official is resigning, and persistent worries about elevated stock valuations.

Asian equities bounced back on Thursday, tracking overnight U.S. gains following a deal to extend the federal government's borrowing limit for three months. Recent tensions in the Korean Peninsula were a trigger for investors to take profit from this year's robust gains, with stock indexes in markets like Hong Kong, South Korea, India and Singapore notching double-digit increases.