Meanwhile, eurozone finance ministers agreed to release the next installment of Greece's bailout. The cash-strapped country is slated to receive €49.1 billion through the first quarter of 2013, with €34.3 billion of that being paid out in the coming days.

European markets ended lower.

Meanwhile, Asian markets ended mixed. Japan's Nikkei closed up 1.7% as the nation's elections approach.

Gold prices sank 1% in early trading, while oil prices were also off. Bond prices fell, with the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note rising to 1.72%. The U.S. dollar weakened against the euro and British pound, but gained against the Japanese yen.