European stocks posted a modest loss on Tuesday, as most of the region's markets were closed for the May Day holiday. The Stoxx Europe 600 index SXXP, -0.08% snapped a three-day win streak and ended marginally lower, down about 0.1% at 385.03, after finishing Monday trade up 0.2%.

U.S. stocks closed mostly higher on Tuesday, as a sharp rally in technology stocks helped the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq shake off an early decline. However, the Dow fell for a third straight session as caution remained high ahead of the conclusion of a Federal Reserve policy meeting and fresh developments in global trade.

Asia-Pacific stock moves were muted in early trading Wednesday, after most overseas benchmarks saw little change the previous day. Most markets in the region were closed Tuesday for the Labor Day holiday, and Japan will be closed Thursday and Friday.