Markets have already factored in a Fed rate increase, say analysts.
Precious metals and crude oil headed lower ahead of the US Federal Reserve's rate-setting meeting.
Oil giant boss who brokered deal with Vladimir Putin will 'reverse years of misguided foreign policies' says Trump team.
China reporting better than expected factory output and retail sales in November had negligible effect on the markets.
Non-Opec nations have agreed to cut output by 558,000 barrels a day.
Group of 11 states including Russia and Mexico to slash output by 558,000 barrels per day from 1 January.
Opec's surprise decision to cut oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day has boosted the crude oil price.
Markets also gained amid investor expectations of a positive outcome from the upcoming ECB meeting.
US services sector activity hitting a one-year high in November also helped boost investor confidence.
Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation soon after results indicated his defeat.
The bearish trend in the stock markets also follows a decline in oil prices.
On Wednesday, Opec agreed to cut oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day.
Most analysts said they expect some form of deal to emerge from the Opec meeting.
The markets are awaiting the outcome of Opec ministers' meeting to work out a production cut.
Investors fear that Opec nations will not agree to a production cut at Wednesday's meeting.
The uptick in Asia is expected to only last until US markets reopen after the holidays.
Kremlin's offer falls short of a coordinated crude production cut ahead of Opec meeting.
US durable goods orders increased 4.8% on-month in October, beating the 2.7% gain predicted by economists.
Donald Trump's aggressive stimulus plans are said to have had a positive impact on the stock markets.
Crude prices edge close to $50 a barrel as investors grow confident Opec curb production next week.
Investors were concerned over Donald Trump's comments on dumping the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement.
The US dollar index was at 101.29 as of 12.02am EST, lower than the multi-year high it touched last week.