Wall Street extended a rally on Monday with the S&P 500 unofficially ending at an all-time high. Energy and technology stocks led the way.
In addition, better-than-expected housing data boosted market optimism and Italy formed a government after two months of uncertainty.
The Dow Jones Index closed up 106 points, or 0.7%, at 14,819.
The Nasdaq Composite is up 28 points, or 0.8%, to 3,307.
Across the Tasman, the Australian 200 Index closed on Monday up 28 points, or 0.5%, at 5,126.
The NZX 50 closed up 32 points, or 0.7%, at 4,581.
Brent crude oil was trading at $US103.66 per barrel and gold is trading at $US1469.26 per ounce.
