FTSE climbs ahead of US jobs data

UK markets began the session strongly, with the blue chip index putting on more than 1% initially, ahead of key jobs data from the US.

Continuing the positive trend seen all week, the FTSE 100 gained 1.2% or 69 points at open, climbing to 5,559.

If it were to close at this level it would have gained 8% in five days, having closed last Friday at 5,165.

The move higher reversed yesterday's loss of 0.29% when investors took profits following strong gains on Wednesday.

All eyes are now on crucial jobs data due out from the US, which is expected to show an increase of 122,000 jobs and a steady unemployment rate of 9%.

Overnight investors in the US also spent the session taking profits, with the Dow - which gained nearly 500 points in the previous session - shedding 25.65 points, to close at 12,020.

Meanwhile the S&P 500 dropped 2.4 points, to 1,244.

However, Asian shares powered ahead, with the Nikkei up 0.5%, or 46 points, to 8,643.

The Hang Seng also rose 100 points, or 0.53%, to 19,102.