The US
Markets closed in the green as Janet Yellen, former Federal Chairwoman, called on lawmakers to support further fiscal stimulus to help the economy.
USA30 rose 0.43%, while USA500 was up 0.86%. TECH100 gained 1.56%.
Crude oil closed 1.34% higher at $53.12 per barrel.
Gold was up 0.7%, trading at $1,841.40 per ounce.
The Dollar Index lost 0.31%, reaching 90.472.
Asia and Australia
Investors continued to be hopeful that the latest COVID-19 lockdowns will not underpin the region's economic recovery, leading the markets to close higher.
HongKong45 closed 1.74% higher after the 12- member advisory panel recommended the approval of COMIRNATY, Pfizer, and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine.
Japan225 was up 1.22% ahead of the BOJ's policy decision.
Down under, Australia200 added 1.24%.
Europe
The markets closed in the green, boosted by Joe Biden's inauguration and the upcoming policy decision of the European Central Bank. Europe50 added 0.1%. Germany30 and France40 each traded 0.2% higher. UK100 climbed 0.4%.
Brent oil rose 2.30% to trade at $56.01 a barrel.
EUR/USD closed the session at 1.2128 after it gained 0.43%.
Sources: reuters.com, investing.com