The gains were broad-based, with 10 of the$標普500指數 (.SPX.US)$'s 11 sectors closing in positive territory. The S&P 500 notched its first back-to-back gain of the month after edging lower for much of August.
Australian shares have opened largely higher, taking an overnight lead from New York, as local eyes turn to an upcoming speech by incoming Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock later today.