Gains in chipmakers lifted stocks to calm investors after hawkish Federal Reserve comments increased the likelihood of a hefty interest rate hike later this month and raised fears over how much this could slow the economy.
The euro struggled to avoid dipping below parity with the safe-haven dollar.
Sterling was up 0.45%, little changed after Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned following a string of ministerial resignations. The pound plumbed 2-year lows on Wednesday amid mounting political uncertainties.
