American, European markets finish higher

NEW YORK (AA) – Wall Street ended Tuesday higher after gains in European stock markets had a positive impact on sentiment across the Atlantic.

The Dow Jones gained four points to 18,533, while the S&P 500 increased less than one point to 2,182. The Nasdaq jumped by 12 points to close at 5,225.

During trading hours, the S&P climbed to 2,188 and the Nasdaq reached 5,239 points -- marking new all-time highs.

In Europe, Germany's DAX index soared 2.05 percent, while London’s FTSE posted a 0.62 percent increase, and France's CAC 40 jumped 1.19 percent.

Oil prices retreaded after four consecutive days of gains.

At the final bell, American benchmark West Texas Intermediate traded 0.6 percent lower at $42.80. International benchmark Brent crude was up to $45.02 -- a 0.8 percent decrease.

On Wednesday, the oil market and Wall Street will focus on the U.S. weekly crude oil and gasoline inventories.